Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) have been widely engineered for biomedical applications, such as bioimaging and drug delivery, because of their high tunability, which allows them to perform specific functions. In this review, we discuss the functionalization and performance of SiNPs for nucleic acid delivery. Nucleic acids, including plasmid DNA (pDNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA), constitute the next generation molecular drugs for the treatment of intractable diseases. However, their low bioavailability requires delivery systems that can circumvent nuclease attack and kidney filtration to ensure efficient access to the target cell cytoplasm or nucleus. First, we discussed the biological significance of nucleic acids and the parameters required for their successful delivery. Next, we reviewed SiNP designing for nucleic acid delivery with respect to nucleic acid loading and release, cellular uptake, endosomal escape, and biocompatibility. In addition, we discussed the co-delivery potential of SiNPs. Finally, we analyzed the current challenges and future directions of SiNPs for advanced nucleic acid delivery.

二氧化硅纳米颗粒（SiNPs）具有高度的可调节性，因此可以执行特定的功能，因此已被广泛设计用于生物医学应用，例如生物成像和药物输送。在这篇综述中，我们讨论了用于核酸递送的SiNPs的功能化和性能。核酸，包括质粒DNA（pDNA）和小干扰RNA（siRNA），构成了治疗难治性疾病的下一代分子药物。但是，它们的生物利用度低，需要能够避免核酸酶攻击和肾脏过滤的递送系统，以确保有效进入靶细胞的细胞质或细胞核。首先，我们讨论了核酸的生物学意义以及成功交付核酸所需的参数。下一个，我们审查了关于核酸负载和释放，细胞摄取，内体逃逸和生物相容性的核酸递送的SiNP设计。此外，我们讨论了SiNP的共同交付潜力。最后，我们分析了用于先进核酸递送的SiNPs的当前挑战和未来方向。