ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the preparation techniques and results of investigation of structural and physical properties of porous silicon nanoparticles (PSi NPs) are summarized and discussed in the frame of perspective of their application as sensitizers for the sonodynamic therapy (SDT). PSi NPs in the form of powders or suspensions are usually obtained by ultrasonic fragmentation or mechanical ball-grinding of PSi or PSi nanowires (NWs). The process of acoustic cavitation is induced at a necessary level of pressure, which is characteristic for a certain medium known as the cavitation threshold. Many nanoparticles, including silicon nanoparticles, obtain porous surface, which enables their usage for the decrease of cavitation threshold in biological media and application of ultrasound of relatively low intensity for the drug delivery. The cavitation threshold depends on temperature, which changes both due to external conditions and absorption of a part of the ultrasonic irradiation (USI) energy.
