The comparison between superparamagnetic and ferromagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for cancer nanotherapy in the magnetic resonance system

Nanomaterials in Medicine: Understanding Cellular Uptake, Localization, and Retention for Enhanced Disease Diagnosis and Therapy

Nanomaterials (NMs) have emerged as promising tools for disease diagnosis and therapy due to their unique physicochemical properties. To maximize the effectiveness and design of NMs-based medical applications, it is essential to comprehend the complex mechanisms of cellular uptake, subcellular localization, and cellular retention. This review illuminates the various pathways that NMs take to get from the extracellular environment to certain intracellular compartments by investigating the various mechanisms that underlie their interaction with cells. The cellular uptake of NMs involves complex interactions with cell membranes, encompassing endocytosis, phagocytosis, and other active transport mechanisms. Unique uptake patterns across cell types highlight the necessity for customized NMs designs. After internalization, NMs move through a variety of intracellular routes that affect where they are located subcellularly. Understanding these pathways is pivotal for enhancing the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents and imaging probes. Furthermore, the cellular retention of NMs plays a critical role in sustained therapeutic efficacy and long-term imaging capabilities. Factors influencing cellular retention include nanoparticle size, surface chemistry, and the cellular microenvironment. Strategies for prolonging cellular retention are discussed, including surface modifications and encapsulation techniques. In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms governing cellular uptake, subcellular localization, and cellular retention of NMs is essential for advancing their application in disease diagnosis and therapy. This review provides insights into the intricate interplay between NMs and biological systems, offering a foundation for the rational design of next-generation nanomedicines.

Nanotherapy based on magneto-mechanochemical modulation of tumor redox state

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNs) are typically used as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging or as drug carriers with a remotely controlled delivery to the tumor. However, they can also potentiate the action of anticancer drugs under the influence of applied constant magnetic (CMFs) and electromagnetic fields (EMFs). This review demonstrates the role of magneto-mechanochemical effects produced by MNs alone and loaded with anticancer agents (MNCs) in response to CMFs and EMFs for modulation of tumor redox state. The combined treatment is suggested to act by two mechanisms: spin-dependent electron transport propagates free radical chain reactions, while magnetomechanical interactions cause conformational changes in drug molecules loaded onto MNs and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). By adjusting the parameters of CMFs and EMFs during the magneto-mechanochemical synthesis and subsequent treatment, it is possible to modulate ROS production and switch redox signaling involved in ERK1/2 and NF-κB pathways from initiation of tumor growth to inhibition. Observations of tumor volume in different animal models and treatment combinations reported a 6%-70% reduction as compared with conventional drugs. Despite these results, there is a general lack of research in magnetic nanotheranostics that link redox changes across multiple levels of organization in the tumor-bearing host. Further multidisciplinary studies with more focus on the relationship between the electron transport processes in biomolecules and their effects on the tumor-host interaction should accelerate the clinical translation of magnetic nanotheranostics. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology.

A Review of Biomimetic and Biodegradable Magnetic Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering and Oncology

Bone defects characterized by limited regenerative properties are considered a priority in surgical practice, as they are associated with reduced quality of life and high costs. In bone tissue engineering, different types of scaffolds are used. These implants represent structures with well-established properties that play an important role as delivery vectors or cellular systems for cells, growth factors, bioactive molecules, chemical compounds, and drugs. The scaffold must provide a microenvironment with increased regenerative potential at the damage site. Magnetic nanoparticles are linked to an intrinsic magnetic field, and when they are incorporated into biomimetic scaffold structures, they can sustain osteoconduction, osteoinduction, and angiogenesis. Some studies have shown that combining ferromagnetic or superparamagnetic nanoparticles and external stimuli such as an electromagnetic field or laser light can enhance osteogenesis and angiogenesis and even lead to cancer cell death. These therapies are based on in vitro and in vivo studies and could be included in clinical trials for large bone defect regeneration and cancer treatments in the near future. We highlight the scaffolds' main attributes and focus on natural and synthetic polymeric biomaterials combined with magnetic nanoparticles and their production methods. Then, we underline the structural and morphological aspects of the magnetic scaffolds and their mechanical, thermal, and magnetic properties. Great attention is devoted to the magnetic field effects on bone cells, biocompatibility, and osteogenic impact of the polymeric scaffolds reinforced with magnetic nanoparticles. We explain the biological processes activated due to magnetic particles' presence and underline their possible toxic effects. We present some studies regarding animal tests and potential clinical applications of magnetic polymeric scaffolds.

Magnetic-responsive polysaccharide hydrogels as smart biomaterials: Synthesis, properties, and biomedical applications

This review reports recent advances in polysaccharide-based magnetic hydrogels as smart platforms for different biomedical applications. These hydrogels have proved to be excellent, viable, eco-friendly alternative materials for the biomedical field due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and possibility of controlling delivery processes via modulation of the remote magnetic field. We first present their main synthesis methods and compare their advantages and disadvantages. Next, the synergic properties of hydrogels prepared with polysaccharides and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are discussed. Finally, we describe the main contributions of polysaccharide-based magnetic hydrogels in the targeted drug delivery, tissue regeneration, and hyperthermia therapy fields. Overall, this review aims to motivate the synthesis of novel composite biomaterials, based on the combination of magnetic nanoparticles and natural polysaccharides, to overcome challenges that still exist in the treatment of several diseases.

Systematic Investigation of Structural, Morphological, Thermal, Optoelectronic, and Magnetic Properties of High-Purity Hematite/Magnetite Nanoparticles for Optoelectronics

Iron oxide nanoparticles, especially hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) and magnetite (Fe₃O₄) have attained substantial research interest in various applications of green and sustainable energy harnessing owing to their exceptional opto-magneto-electrical characteristics and non-toxicity. In this study, we synthesized high-purity hematite and magnetite nanoparticles from a facile top-down approach by employing a high-energy ball mill followed by ultrasonication. A systematic investigation was then carried out to explore the structural, morphological, thermal, optoelectrical, and magnetic properties of the synthesized samples. The experimental results from scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction corroborated the formation of highly crystalline hematite and magnetite nanoparticles with average sizes of ~80 nm and ~50 nm, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed remarkable results on the thermal stability of the newly synthesized samples. The optical studies confirmed the formation of a single-phase compound with the bandgaps dependent on the size of the nanoparticles. The electrochemical studies that utilized cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques verified these iron oxide nanoparticles as electroactive species which can enhance the charge transfer process with high mobility. The hysteresis curves of the samples revealed the paramagnetic behavior of the samples with high values of coercivity. Thus, these optimized materials can be recommended for use in future optoelectronic devices and can prove to be potential candidates in the advanced research of new optoelectronic materials for improved energy devices.

Targeted extracellular vesicle delivery systems employing superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles

In the past decade, the study of extracellular vesicles (EVs), especially exosomes (50-150 nm) have attracted growing interest in numerous areas of cancer and tissue regeneration due to their unique biological features. A low isolation yield and insufficient targeting abilities limit their therapeutic applicability. Recently, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with magnetic navigation have been exploited to enhance the targeting ability of EVs. To construct targeted EV delivery systems engineered by SPIONs, several groups have pioneered the use of different techniques, such as electroporation, natural incubation, and cell extrusion, to directly internalize SPIONs into EVs. Furthermore, some endogenous ligands, such as transferrins, antibodies, aptamers, and streptavidin, were shown to enable modification of SPIONs, which increases binding with EVs. In this review, we summarized recent advances in targeted EV delivery systems engineered by SPIONs and focused on the key methodological approaches and the current applications of magnetic EVs. This report aims to address the existing challenges and provide comprehensive insights into targeted EV delivery systems. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Targeted extracellular vesicle (EV) delivery systems engineered by superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have attracted wide attention and research interest in recent years. Such strategies employ external magnet fields to manipulate SPION-functionalized EVs remotely, aiming to enhance their accumulation and penetration in vivo. Although iron oxide nanoparticle laden EVs are interesting, they are controversial at present, hampering the progress in their clinical application. A thorough integration of these studies is needed for an advanced insight and rational design of targeted EV delivery systems. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in the design strategies of targeted EV delivery systems engineered by SPIONs with a focus on their key methodological approaches, current applications, limitation and future perspectives, which may facilitate the development of natural theranostic nanoplatforms.

In Vitro Magnetic Techniques for Investigating Cancer Progression

Worldwide, there are currently around 18.1 million new cancer cases and 9.6 million cancer deaths yearly. Although cancer diagnosis and treatment has improved greatly in the past several decades, a complete understanding of the complex interactions between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment during primary tumor growth and metastatic expansion is still lacking. Several aspects of the metastatic cascade require in vitro investigation. This is because in vitro work allows for a reduced number of variables and an ability to gather real-time data of cell responses to precise stimuli, decoupling the complex environment surrounding in vivo experimentation. Breakthroughs in our understanding of cancer biology and mechanics through in vitro assays can lead to better-designed ex vivo precision medicine platforms and clinical therapeutics. Multiple techniques have been developed to imitate cancer cells in their primary or metastatic environments, such as spheroids in suspension, microfluidic systems, 3D bioprinting, and hydrogel embedding. Recently, magnetic-based in vitro platforms have been developed to improve the reproducibility of the cell geometries created, precisely move magnetized cell aggregates or fabricated scaffolding, and incorporate static or dynamic loading into the cell or its culture environment. Here, we will review the latest magnetic techniques utilized in these in vitro environments to improve our understanding of cancer cell interactions throughout the various stages of the metastatic cascade.

Iron oxide nanoparticles for immune cell labeling and cancer immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy is a novel approach to cancer treatment that leverages components of the immune system as opposed to chemotherapeutics or radiation. Cell migration is an integral process in a therapeutic immune response, and the ability to track and image the migration of immune cells in vivo allows for better characterization of the disease and monitoring of the therapeutic outcomes. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are promising candidates for use in immunotherapy as they are biocompatible, have flexible surface chemistry, and display magnetic properties that may be used in contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this review, advances in application of IONPs in cell tracking and cancer immunotherapy are presented. Following a brief overview of the cancer immunity cycle, developments in labeling and tracking various immune cells using IONPs are highlighted. We also discuss factors that influence the effectiveness of IONPs as MRI contrast agents. Finally, we outline different approaches for cancer immunotherapy and highlight current efforts that utilize IONPs to stimulate immune cells to enhance their activity and response to cancer.

Remote control of magnetic nanocomplexes for delivery and destruction of cancer cells

Although nanotechnology advances have been exploited for a myriad of purposes, including cancer diagnostics and treatment, still there is little discussion about the mechanisms of remote control. Our main aim here is to explain the possibility of a magnetic field control over magnetic nanocomplexes to improve their delivery, controlled release and antitumor activity. In doing so we considered the nonlinear dynamics of magnetomechanical and magnetochemical effects based on free radical mechanisms in cancer development for future pre-clinical studies.

Delivery of drugs, proteins, and nucleic acids using inorganic nanoparticles

Inorganic nanoparticles provide multipurpose platforms for a broad range of delivery applications. Intrinsic nanoscopic properties provide access to unique magnetic and optical properties. Equally importantly, the structural and functional diversity of gold, silica, iron oxide, and lanthanide-based nanocarriers provide unrivalled control of nanostructural properties for effective transport of therapeutic cargos, overcoming biobarriers on the cellular and organismal level. Taken together, inorganic nanoparticles provide a key addition to the arsenal of delivery vectors for fighting disease and improving human health.

Nanomaterials multifunctional behavior for enlightened cancer therapeutics

Cancer is an outrageous disease with uncontrolled differentiation, growth, and migration to the other parts of the body. It is the second-most common cause of death both in the U.S. and worldwide. Current conventional therapies, though much improved and with better prognosis, have several limitations. Chemotherapeutic agents, for instance, are cytotoxic to both tumor and healthy cells, and the non-specific distribution of drugs at tumor sites limits the dose administered. Nanotechnology, which evolved from the coalescence and union of varied scientific disciplines, is a novel science that has been the focus of much research. This technology is generating more effective cancer therapies to overcome biomedical and biophysical barriers against standard interventions in the body; its unique magnetic, electrical, and structural properties make it a promising tool. This article reviews endogenous- and exogenous-based stimulus-responsive drug delivery systems designed to overcome the limitations of conventional therapies. The article also summarizes the study of nanomaterials, including polymeric, gold, silver, magnetic, and quantum dot nanoparticles. Though an array of drug delivery systems has so far been proposed, there remain many challenges and concerns that should be addressed in order to fill the gaps in the field. Prominence is given to drug delivery systems that employ external- and internal-based stimuli and that are emerging as promising tools for cancer therapeutics in clinical settings.