Advancement in molecular technologies and bio molecular field has increased in the recent years. Especially, clinical diagnosis for diseases has become dependent on the close study of everything on a bio molecular level like RNA, singular cells, proteins. This has led to the amalgamation of biology with nanotechnology.

The nanomaterials developed and synthesized have found great applications in the bio analytical field and nanoparticles form the base of these bio nanomaterials. Silicon dioxide, commonly known as silica nanoparticles is one of the important nano particles synthesized. Silica nanoparticles properties are greatly used in a lot of ways due to its unique chemical, physical compositions, porosity and functional properties.

Nanoparticles have found extensive use in not only medical diagnostics but also in other sectors. Silica nanoparticles usually appear as a white powder. These nano particles are of two types: P and S type depending on their structure. The P type silica nanoparticles have a bigger surface area. Silicon dioxide is formed on exposing silicon to oxygen. Then a so called ‘native oxide’ is formed on the surface of silicon which can be controlled with varied surrounding conditions. Silica nanoparticles have thermal properties, chemical properties, optical properties, mechanical properties and electrical properties which all makes it quite useful.

Silica nanoparticles can be easily synthesized without spending a ton of money and thus, they are extensively used in nanotechnology. Their porosity and surface characteristics along with their numerous functions enable them to be used for bio molecular detection as well as bio molecular separation. There are many other uses of silica nanoparticles like they can be used as an additive substance for rubber and plastic materials, used to increase strength of construction composites such as concrete. These nanoparticles are also applied in drug delivery, for biosensors and others.