Pharmacokinetics of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for medical applications

Stimuli-responsive microcarriers and their application in tissue repair: A review of magnetic and electroactive microcarrier

Microcarrier applications have made great advances in tissue engineering in recent years, which can load cells, drugs, and bioactive factors. These microcarriers can be minimally injected into the defect to help reconstruct a good microenvironment for tissue repair. In order to achieve more ideal performance and face more complex tissue damage, an increasing amount of effort has been focused on microcarriers that can actively respond to external stimuli. These microcarriers have the functions of directional movement, targeted enrichment, material release control, and providing signals conducive to tissue repair. Given the high controllability and designability of magnetic and electroactive microcarriers, the research progress of these microcarriers is highlighted in this review. Their structure, function and applications, potential tissue repair mechanisms, and challenges are discussed. In summary, through the design with clinical translation ability, meaningful and comprehensive experimental characterization, and in-depth study and application of tissue repair mechanisms, stimuli-responsive microcarriers have great potential in tissue repair.

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as Promising Antibacterial Agents of New Generation

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is growing into a major public health crisis worldwide. The reducing alternatives to conventional agents starve for novel antimicrobial agents. Due to their unique magnetic properties and excellent biocompatibility, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are the most preferable nanomaterials in biomedicine, including antibacterial therapy, primarily through reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. IONP characteristics, including their size, shape, surface charge, and superparamagnetism, influence their biodistribution and antibacterial activity. External magnetic fields, foreign metal doping, and surface, size, and shape modification improve the antibacterial effect of IONPs. Despite a few disadvantages, IONPs are expected to be promising antibacterial agents of a new generation.

Progress in ultrasmall ferrite nanoparticles enhanced T1 magnetic resonance angiography

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) plays a critical role in diagnosing and monitoring various vascular diseases. Achieving high-sensitivity detection of vascular abnormalities in CE-MRA depends on the properties of contrast agents. In contrast to clinically used gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs), the new generation of ultrasmall ferrite nanoparticles-based contrast agents have high relaxivity, long blood circulation time, easy surface functionalization, and high biocompatibility, hence showing promising prospects in CE-MRA. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the advancements in ultrasmall ferrite nanoparticles-enhanced MRA for detecting vascular diseases. Additionally, this review also discusses the future clinical translational potential of ultrasmall ferrite nanoparticles-based contrast agents for vascular imaging. By investigating the current status of research and clinical applications, this review attempts to outline the progress, challenges, and future directions of using ultrasmall ferrite nanoparticles to drive the field of CE-MRA into a new frontier of accuracy and diagnostic efficacy.

A Benchtop Round Window Model for Studying Magnetic Nanoparticle Transport to the Inner Ear

INTRODUCTION

The round window membrane (RWM) presents a significant barrier to the local application of therapeutics to the inner ear. We demonstrate a benchtop preclinical RWM model and evaluate superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as vehicles for magnetically assisted drug delivery.

METHODS

Guinea pig RWM explants were inset into a 3D-printed dual chamber benchtop device. Custom-synthesized 7-nm iron core nanoparticles were modified with different polyethylene glycol chains to yield two sizes of SPIONs (NP-PEG600 and NP-PEG3000) and applied to the benchtop model with and without a magnetic field. Histologic analysis of the RWM was performed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

Over a 4-h period, 19.5 ± 1.9% of NP-PEG3000 and 14.6 ± 1.9% of NP-PEG600 were transported across the guinea pig RWM. The overall transport increased by 1.45× to 28.4 ± 5.8% and 21.0 ± 2.0%, respectively, when a magnetic field was applied. Paraformaldehyde fixation of the RWM decreased transport significantly (NP-PEG3000: 7.6 ± 1.5%; NP-PEG600: 7.0 ± 1.6%). Confocal and electron microscopy analysis demonstrated nanoparticle localization throughout all cellular layers and layer-specific transport characteristics within RWM.

CONCLUSION

The guinea pig RWM explant benchtop model allows for targeted and practical investigations of transmembrane transport in the development of nanoparticle drug delivery vehicles. The presence of a magnetic field increases SPION delivery by 45%-50% in a nanoparticle size- and cellular layer-dependent manner.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 134:3355-3362, 2024.

Unveiling Nanoparticles: Recent Approaches in Studying the Internalization Pattern of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Mono- and Multicellular Biological Structures

Nanoparticle (NP)-based solutions for oncotherapy promise an improved efficiency of the anticancer response, as well as higher comfort for the patient. The current advancements in cancer treatment based on nanotechnology exploit the ability of these systems to pass biological barriers to target the tumor cell, as well as tumor cell organelles. In particular, iron oxide NPs are being clinically employed in oncological management due to this ability. When designing an efficient anti-cancer therapy based on NPs, it is important to know and to modulate the phenomena which take place during the interaction of the NPs with the tumor cells, as well as the normal tissues. In this regard, our review is focused on highlighting different approaches to studying the internalization patterns of iron oxide NPs in simple and complex 2D and 3D in vitro cell models, as well as in living tissues, in order to investigate the functionality of an NP-based treatment.

Advances in Vascular Diagnostics using Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) for Blood Circulation Assessment

Rapid and accurate assessment of conditions characterized by altered blood flow, cardiac blood pooling, or internal bleeding is crucial for diagnosing and treating various clinical conditions. While widely used imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound offer unique diagnostic advantages, they fall short for specific indications due to limited penetration depth and prolonged acquisition times. Magnetic particle imaging (MPI), an emerging tracer-based technique, holds promise for blood circulation assessments, potentially overcoming existing limitations with reduction in background signals and high temporal and spatial resolution, below the millimeter scale. Successful imaging of blood pooling and impaired flow necessitates tracers with diverse circulation half-lives optimized for MPI signal generation. Recent MPI tracers show potential in imaging cardiovascular complications, vascular perforations, ischemia, and stroke. The impressive temporal resolution and penetration depth also position MPI as an excellent modality for real-time vessel perfusion imaging via functional MPI (fMPI). This review summarizes advancements in optimized MPI tracers for imaging blood circulation and analyzes the current state of pre-clinical applications. This work discusses perspectives on standardization required to transition MPI from a research endeavor to clinical implementation and explore additional clinical indications that may benefit from the unique capabilities of MPI.

In Vitro Study of Tumor-Homing Peptide-Modified Magnetic Nanoparticles for Magnetic Hyperthermia

Cancer cells have higher heat sensitivity compared to normal cells; therefore, hyperthermia is a promising approach for cancer therapy because of its ability to selectively kill cancer cells by heating them. However, the specific and rapid heating of tumor tissues remains challenging. This study investigated the potential of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) modified with tumor-homing peptides (THPs), specifically PL1 and PL3, for tumor-specific magnetic hyperthermia therapy. The synthesis of THP-modified MNPs involved the attachment of PL1 and PL3 peptides to the surface of the MNPs, which facilitated enhanced tumor cell binding and internalization. Cell specificity studies revealed an increased uptake of PL1- and PL3-MNPs by tumor cells compared to unmodified MNPs, indicating their potential for targeted delivery. In vitro hyperthermia experiments demonstrated the efficacy of PL3-MNPs in inducing tumor cell death when exposed to an alternating magnetic field (AMF). Even without exposure to an AMF, an additional ferroptotic pathway was suggested to be mediated by the nanoparticles. Thus, this study suggests that THP-modified MNPs, particularly PL3-MNPs, hold promise as a targeted approach for tumor-specific magnetic hyperthermia therapy.

Engineering polyvinyl alcohol microspheres with capability for use in photothermal/chemodynamic therapy for enhanced transarterial chemoembolization

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is widely recognized as a non-surgical treatment approach for advanced liver cancer, combining chemotherapy with the blockage of blood vessels supplying the tumor. To enhance the efficacy of TACE and address chemotherapy resistance, there is growing interest in the development of multifunctional embolic microspheres. In this study, multifunctional PVA microspheres, which encapsulate MIT as a chemotherapeutic drug, PPY as a photothermal agent, and Fe3O4 as a chemodynamic therapy agent, were prepared successfully. The results demonstrated that the developed multifunctional PVA microspheres not only exhibit favorable drug release, photothermal therapy, and chemodynamic therapy performance, but also show a promising synergistic therapeutic effect both in vitro and in vivo. Consequently, the engineered multifunctional PVA microspheres hold tremendous promise for enhancing TACE effectiveness and have the potential to overcome limitations associated with traditional liver cancer treatments.

A novel approach for the green synthesis of iron nanoparticles using marigold extract, black liquor, and nanocellulose: Effect on marigold growth parameters

This study aimed to investigate a novel method for the green synthesis of iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) using marigold extract (Calendula officinalis L), kraft pulping black liquor, and nanocellulose. Then, the efficacy of FeNPs as a direct nanofertilizer on the growth parameters of marigold was investigated. Characterization techniques including FESEM, EDX, VSM, and FTIR were used to confirm the successful synthesis of FeNPs. The characterization results confirmed the formation and presence of FeNPs in the 20-100 nm range. FeNPs synthesized with nanocellulose notably enhanced marigold growth parameters compared to other materials. However, all nanoparticle variants, including those from marigold extract and black liquor, improved germination, plant height, root length, and plant dry weight compared to the control. Moreover, treatments exhibited higher available iron and total plant iron levels than the control. Thus, employing 10 mg FeNPs (prepared with 5.0 % nanocellulose) appears optimal for enhancing marigold growth and yield.

Nanocatalysts for modulating antitumor immunity: fabrication, mechanisms and applications

Immunotherapy harnesses the inherent immune system in the body to generate systemic antitumor immunity, offering a promising modality for defending against cancer. However, tumor immunosuppression and evasion seriously restrict the immune response rates in clinical settings. Catalytic nanomedicines can transform tumoral substances/metabolites into therapeutic products in situ, offering unique advantages in antitumor immunotherapy. Through catalytic reactions, both tumor eradication and immune regulation can be simultaneously achieved, favoring the development of systemic antitumor immunity. In recent years, with advancements in catalytic chemistry and nanotechnology, catalytic nanomedicines based on nanozymes, photocatalysts, sonocatalysts, Fenton catalysts, electrocatalysts, piezocatalysts, thermocatalysts and radiocatalysts have been rapidly developed with vast applications in cancer immunotherapy. This review provides an introduction to the fabrication of catalytic nanomedicines with an emphasis on their structures and engineering strategies. Furthermore, the catalytic substrates and state-of-the-art applications of nanocatalysts in cancer immunotherapy have also been outlined and discussed. The relationships between nanostructures and immune regulating performance of catalytic nanomedicines are highlighted to provide a deep understanding of their working mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment. Finally, the challenges and development trends are revealed, aiming to provide new insights for the future development of nanocatalysts in catalytic immunotherapy.

Highly oriented hydrogels for tissue regeneration: design strategies, cellular mechanisms, and biomedical applications

Many human tissues exhibit a highly oriented architecture that confers them with distinct mechanical properties, enabling adaptation to diverse and challenging environments. Hydrogels, with their water-rich "soft and wet" structure, have emerged as promising biomimetic materials in tissue engineering for repairing and replacing damaged tissues and organs. Highly oriented hydrogels can especially emulate the structural orientation found in human tissue, exhibiting unique physiological functions and properties absent in traditional homogeneous isotropic hydrogels. The design and preparation of highly oriented hydrogels involve strategies like including hydrogels with highly oriented nanofillers, polymer-chain networks, void channels, and microfabricated structures. Understanding the specific mechanism of action of how these highly oriented hydrogels affect cell behavior and their biological applications for repairing highly oriented tissues such as the cornea, skin, skeletal muscle, tendon, ligament, cartilage, bone, blood vessels, heart, etc., requires further exploration and generalization. Therefore, this review aims to fill that gap by focusing on the design strategy of highly oriented hydrogels and their application in the field of tissue engineering. Furthermore, we provide a detailed discussion on the application of highly oriented hydrogels in various tissues and organs and the mechanisms through which highly oriented structures influence cell behavior.

Magnetically controlled nanorobots induced oriented and rapid clearance of the cytokine storm for acute lung injury therapy

Cytokine storms characterized by excessive secretion of circulating cytokines and immune-cell hyperactivation are life-threatening systemic inflammatory syndromes. The new strategy is in great demand to inhibit the cytokine storm. Here, we designed a type of magnetically controlled nanorobots (MAGICIAN) by fusing neutrophil membranes onto Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4NPs). In our study, the receptors of neutrophil membranes were successfully coated to the surface of Fe3O4NPs. The associated membrane functions of neutrophils were highly preserved. MAGICIAN could in vitro neutralize the inflammatory cytokines including interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interferon γ (IFN-γ). Interestingly, MAGICIAN could be navigated to the liver sites under magnetic control and accelerated the cytokine clearance by the liver. Administration of MAGICIAN could efficiently relieve the inflammation in the acute lung injury mouse model. In addition, MAGICIAN displayed good biosafety in systemic administration. The present study provides a safe and convenient approach for the clearance of cytokine storms, indicating the potential for clinical application in acute lung injury therapy.

In situ theranostic platform combining highly localized magnetic fluid hyperthermia, magnetic particle imaging, and thermometry in 3D

Theranostic platforms, combining diagnostic and therapeutic approaches within one system, have garnered interest in augmenting invasive surgical, chemical, and ionizing interventions. Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) offers a quite recent alternative to established radiation-based diagnostic modalities with its versatile tracer material (superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, SPION). It also offers a bimodal theranostic framework that can combine tomographic imaging with therapeutic techniques using the very same SPION. Methods: We show the interleaved combination of MPI-based imaging, therapy (highly localized magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH)) and therapy safety control (MPI-based thermometry) within one theranostic platform in all three spatial dimensions using a commercial MPI system and a custom-made heating insert. The heating characteristics as well as theranostic applications of the platform were demonstrated by various phantom experiments using commercial SPION. Results: We have shown the feasibility of an MPI-MFH-based theranostic platform by demonstrating high spatial control of the therapeutic target, adequate MPI-based thermometry, and successful in situ interleaved MPI-MFH application. Conclusions: MPI-MFH-based theranostic platforms serve as valuable tools that enable the synergistic integration of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The transition into in vivo studies will be essential to further validate their potential, and it holds promising prospects for future advancements.

Nanoparticle Polymers Influence on Cardiac Health: Good or Bad for Cardiac Physiology?

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the leading causes of death and morbidity worldwide. Lifestyle modifications, medications, and addressing epidemiological factors have long been at the forefront of targeting therapeutics for CVD. Treatments can be further complicated given the intersection of gender, age, unique comorbidities, and healthcare access, among many other factors. Therefore, expanding treatment and diagnostic modalities for CVD is absolutely necessary. Nanoparticles and nanomaterials are increasingly being used as therapeutic and diagnostic modalities in various disciplines of biomedicine. Nanoparticles have multiple ways of interacting with the cardiovascular system. Some of them alter cardiac physiology by impacting ion channels, whereas others influence ions directly or indirectly, improving cellular death via decreasing oxidative stress.  While embedding nanoparticles into therapeutics can help enhance healthy cardiovascular function in other scenarios, they can also impair physiology by increasing reactive oxidative species and leading to cardiotoxicity. This review explores different types of nanoparticles, their effects, and the applicable dosages to create a better foundation for understanding the current research findings.

Progress and Challenges in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Brain Cancer Using Nanotechnology

Primary brain cancer or brain cancer is the overgrowth of abnormal or malignant cells in the brain or its nearby tissues that form unwanted masses called brain tumors. People with malignant brain tumors suffer a lot, and the expected life span of the patients after diagnosis is often only around 14 months, even with the most vigorous therapies. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the main barrier in the body that restricts the entry of potential chemotherapeutic agents into the brain. The chances of treatment failure or low therapeutic effects are some significant drawbacks of conventional treatment methods. However, recent advancements in nanotechnology have generated hope in cancer treatment. Nanotechnology has shown a vital role starting from the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. These tiny nanomaterials have great potential to deliver drugs across the BBB. Beyond just drug delivery, nanomaterials can be simulated to generate fluorescence to detect tumors. The current Review discusses in detail the challenges of brain cancer treatment and the application of nanotechnology to overcome those challenges. The success of chemotherapeutic treatment or the surgical removal of tumors requires proper imaging. Nanomaterials can provide imaging and therapeutic benefits for cancer. The application of nanomaterials in the diagnosis and treatment of brain cancer is discussed in detail by reviewing past studies.

Effects of Individual Amino Acids on the Blood Circulation of Biosynthetic Protein Nanocages: Toward Guidance on Surface Engineering

Protein nanocages (PNCs) hold great promise for developing multifunctional nanomedicines. Long blood circulation is a key requirement of PNCs for most in vivo application scenarios. In addition to the classical PEGylation strategy, short peptides with a specific sequence screened via phage display are also very effective in prolonging the blood half-life (t1/2 ) of PNCs. However, there is a lack of knowledge on how individual amino acids affect the circulation of PNCs. Here the effects of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids in the form of an X3 or X5 tag (X represents an amino acid) are explored on the pharmacokinetics of PNCs, which lead to the formation of a heatmap illustrating the extent of t1/2 prolongation by each proteinogenic amino acid. Significantly, oligo-lysine and oligo-arginine can effectively prolong the t1/2 of strongly negatively charged PNCs through charge neutralization, while oligo-cysteine can also do so, but via a different mechanism, mediating the covalent binding of PNCs with plasma albumin as a stealth material. These findings are extendible and offer guidance for surface-engineering biosynthetic PNCs and other nanoparticles.

Structural and Thermomagnetic Properties of Gallium Nanoferrites and Their Influence on Cells In Vitro

Magnetite and gallium substituted cuboferrites with a composition of GaxFe3-xO4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.4) were fabricated by thermal decomposition from acetylacetonate salts. The effect of Ga3+ cation substitution on the structural and thermomagnetic behavior of 4-12 nm sized core-shell particles was explored by X-ray and neutron diffraction, small angle neutron scattering, transmission electron microscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and calorimetric measurements. Superparamagnetic (SPM) behavior and thermal capacity against increasing gallium concentration in nanoferrites were revealed. The highest heat capacity typical for Fe3O4@Ga0.6Fe2.4O4 and Ga0.6Fe2.4O4@Fe3O4 is accompanied by a slight stimulation of fibroblast culture growth and inhibition of HeLa cell growth. The observed effect is concentration dependent in the range of 0.01-0.1 mg/mL and particles of Ga0.6Fe2.4O4@Fe3O4 design have a greater effect on cells. Observed magnetic heat properties, as well as interactions with tumor and healthy cells, provide a basis for further biomedical research to use the proposed nanoparticle systems in cancer thermotherapy (magnetic hyperthermia).

In vivo Biodistribution and Clearance of Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Medical Applications

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (magnetite and maghemite) are intensively studied due to their broad potential applications in medical and biological sciences. Their unique properties, such as nanometric size, large specific surface area, and superparamagnetism, allow them to be used in targeted drug delivery and internal radiotherapy by targeting an external magnetic field. In addition, they are successfully used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hyperthermia, and radiolabelling. The appropriate design of nanoparticles allows them to be delivered to the desired tissues and organs. The desired biodistribution of nanoparticles, eg, cancerous tumors, is increased using an external magnetic field. Thus, knowledge of the biodistribution of these nanoparticles is essential for medical applications. It allows for determining whether nanoparticles are captured by the desired organs or accumulated in other tissues, which may lead to potential toxicity. This review article presents the main organs where nanoparticles accumulate. The sites of their first uptake are usually the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes, but with the appropriate design of nanoparticles, they can also be accumulated in organs such as the lungs, heart, or brain. In addition, the review describes the factors affecting the biodistribution of nanoparticles, including their size, shape, surface charge, coating molecules, and route of administration. Modern techniques for determining nanoparticle accumulation sites and concentration in isolated tissues or the body in vivo are also presented.

High Biocompatibility, MRI Enhancement, and Dual Chemo- and Thermal-Therapy of Curcumin-Encapsulated Alginate/Fe3O4 Nanoparticles

(1) Background: Magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles have great potential for biomedical applications, including hyperthermia and magnetic resonance imaging. In this study, we aimed to identify the biological activity of nanoconjugates composed of superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles coated with alginate and curcumin (Fe₃O₄/Cur@ALG) in cancer cells. (2) Methods: The nanoparticles were evaluated for the biocompatibility and toxicity on mice. The MRI enhancement and hyperthermia capacities of Fe₃O₄/Cur@ALG were determined in both in vitro and in vivo sarcoma models. (3) Results: The results show that the magnetite nanoparticles exhibit high biocompatibility and low toxicity in mice at Fe₃O₄ concentrations up to 120 mg/kg when administered via intravenous injection. The Fe₃O₄/Cur@ALG nanoparticles enhance the magnetic resonance imaging contrast in cell cultures and tumor-bearing Swiss mice. The autofluorescence of curcumin also allowed us to observe the penetration of the nanoparticles into sarcoma 180 cells. In particular, the nanoconjugates synergistically inhibit the growth of sarcoma 180 tumors via magnetic heating and the anticancer effects of curcumin, both in vitro and in vivo. (4) Conclusions: Our study reveals that Fe₃O₄/Cur@ALG has a high potential for medicinal applications and should be further developed for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

A Single Infusion of Polyethylene Glycol-Coated Superparamagnetic Magnetite Nanoparticles Alters Differently the Expressions of Genes Involved in Iron Metabolism in the Liver and Heart of Rats

This study investigated genotype- and tissue-related differences in the biodistribution of superparamagnetic magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles (IONs) into the heart and liver of normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats after a single i.v. infusion of polyethylene glycol-coated IONs (~30 nm, 1mg Fe/kg) 100 min post-infusion. The effects of IONs on the expression of selected genes involved in the regulation of iron metabolism, including Nos, Sod and Gpx4, and their possible regulation by nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2, encoded by Nfe2l2) and iron-regulatory protein (encoded by Irp1) were investigated. In addition, superoxide and nitric oxide (NO) production were determined. Results showed reduced ION incorporations into tissues of SHR compared to WKY and in the hearts compared to the livers. IONs reduced plasma corticosterone levels and NO production in the livers of SHR. Elevated superoxide production was found only in ION-treated WKY. Results also showed differences in the regulation of iron metabolism on the gene level in the heart and liver. In the hearts, gene expressions of Nos2, Nos3, Sod1, Sod2, Fpn, Tf, Dmt1 and Fth1 correlated with Irp1 but not with Nfe2l2, suggesting that their expression is regulated by mainly iron content. In the livers, expressions of Nos2, Nos3, Sod2, Gpx4, and Dmt1 correlated with Nfe2l2 but not with Irp1, suggesting a predominant effect of oxidative stress and/or NO.

Magnetic liposome as a dual-targeting delivery system for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treatment

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common form of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, where M2 macrophages play an irreplaceable role in the anti-inflammatory progress. Targeting M2 macrophages and regulating their polarization may be a potential treatment strategy for IPF. Herein, we designed a magnetic liposome based dual-targeting delivery system for the IPF treatment, constructed by mannose-modified magnetic nanoparticles (MAN-MNPs) loaded on the surface of the liposome (MAN-MNPs@LP). The delivery system is capable of responding to a static magnetic field (SMF) and then recognizing in situ of M2 macrophages through the mannose receptor-dependent internalization. Firstly, a series of physical and chemical assays were used to characterize these nanoparticles. Subsequently, magnetic liposomes accumulation in the damaged lung with/without mannose modification and SMF were compared by in vivo imaging system. Finally, the reduction of M2 macrophages and inhibition of their polarization confirmed that the development of IPF was retarded due to the in situ release of encapsulated dexamethasone (Dex) in lungs under the SMF. Further investigation demonstrated that the expression of α-SMA and collagen deposition was reduced. Altogether, this dual-targeting delivery system can effectively deliver Dex into M2 macrophages in the lung, making it a novel and promising therapeutic system for the IPF treatment.

Magnetic Gels in Skin Cancer Treatment: A Review of Potential Applications in Diagnostics, Drug Delivery and Hyperthermia

Skin cancer (SC) is affecting an increasing number of people worldwide. Its lesions affect mainly the most exposed regions of the skin. SC is classified into to main categories: non-melanoma (basal cell carcinoma of the epidermis and squamous cell carcinoma) and melanoma (the abnormal proliferation of melanocytes, which is rarer, more hazardous, and more deadly). Prevention and early diagnosis are important actions, and surgery is often considered. After the removal of cancerous lesions, the local administration of medicine can guarantee anticancer therapeutic action, rapid healing and the recovery of tissue, ensuring the absence of recurrence. Magnetic gels (MGs) have attracted increased attention regarding their pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. They are magnetic nanoparticles (e.g., iron oxide nanoparticles) dispersed in a polymeric matrix, which constitute adaptive systems under a magnetic field. MGs can combine magnetic susceptibility, high elasticity, and softness, and are thus useful platforms for diagnostics, drug delivery, and also for hyperthermia. This manuscript reviews MGs as a technological strategy for the treatment of SC. An overview of SC and the treatment, types, and methods of preparing MGs are discussed. Moreover, the applications of MGs in SC and their future perspectives are considered. The combination of polymeric gels and magnetic nanoparticles continues to be investigated, and new products must hit the market. Clinical trials and new products are expected, due to the important advantages of MGs.

Metal-based nanomaterials and nanocomposites as promising frontier in cancer chemotherapy

Cancer is a disease associated with complex pathology and one of the most prevalent and leading reasons for mortality in the world. Current chemotherapy has challenges with cytotoxicity, selectivity, multidrug resistance, and the formation of stemlike cells. Nanomaterials (NMs) have unique properties that make them useful for various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in cancer research. NMs can be engineered to target cancer cells for early detection and can deliver drugs directly to cancer cells, reducing side effects and improving treatment efficacy. Several of NMs can also be used for photothermal therapy to destroy cancer cells or enhance immune response to cancer by delivering immune-stimulating molecules to immune cells or modulating the tumor microenvironment. NMs are being modified to overcome issues, such as toxicity, lack of selectivity, increase drug capacity, and bioavailability, for a wide spectrum of cancer therapies. To improve targeted drug delivery using nano-carriers, noteworthy research is required. Several metal-based NMs have been studied with the expectation of finding a cure for cancer treatment. In this review, the current development and the potential of plant and metal-based NMs with their effects on size and shape have been discussed along with their more effective usage in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Polyetherimide- and folic acid-modified Fe3 O4 nanospheres for enhanced magnetic hyperthermia performance

Recent studies have highlighted the development prospects of magnetic hyperthermia in cancer therapy. A few studies on the application of Fe₃ O₄ nanospheres for the magnetic hyperthermia of gynecological malignancies have achieved certain efficacy, but there was no visible progress currently. In this work, Fe₃ O₄ nanospheres modified with polyetherimide (PEI) and folic acid (FA) were synthesized using a hydrothermal method for possible utility in biocompatible and active tumor-targeting magnetic induction hyperthermia. The PEI- and FA-coated Fe₃ O₄ nanospheres showed high crystallinity, well-dispersed spherical structures and ideal M_s value. As a result, the designed Fe₃ O₄ @ PEI@FA nanospheres achieved higher specific absorption rate (SAR) values at 360 kHz and 308 Oe, as well as excellent biocompatibility in Hela, SKOV3, HEC-1-A and NIH3T3 cells. These nanospheres can be used as an optimal heating agent for the magnetic hyperthermia treatment of gynecological cancers.

Magnetic nanoparticles: multifunctional tool for cancer therapy

INTRODUCTION

Cancer has one of the highest mortality rates globally. The traditional therapies used to treat cancer have harmful adverse effects. Considering these facts, researchers have explored new therapeutic possibilities with enhanced benefits. Nanoparticle development for cancer detection, in addition to therapy, has shown substantial progress over the past few years.

AREA COVERED

Herein, the latest research regarding cancer treatment employing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in chemo-, immuno-, gene-, and radiotherapy along with hyperthermia is summarized, in addition to their physio-chemical features, advantages, and limitations for clinical translation have also been discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

MNPs are being extensively investigated and developed into effective modules for cancer therapy. They are highly functional tools aimed at cancer therapy owing to their excellent superparamagnetic, chemical, biocompatible, physical, and biodegradable properties.

Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPION): From Fundamentals to State-of-the-Art Innovative Applications for Cancer Therapy

Despite significant advances in cancer therapy over the years, its complex pathological process still represents a major health challenge when seeking effective treatment and improved healthcare. With the advent of nanotechnologies, nanomedicine-based cancer therapy has been widely explored as a promising technology able to handle the requirements of the clinical sector. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) have been at the forefront of nanotechnology development since the mid-1990s, thanks to their former role as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging. Though their use as MRI probes has been discontinued due to an unfavorable cost/benefit ratio, several innovative applications as therapeutic tools have prompted a renewal of interest. The unique characteristics of SPION, i.e., their magnetic properties enabling specific response when submitted to high frequency (magnetic hyperthermia) or low frequency (magneto-mechanical therapy) alternating magnetic field, and their ability to generate reactive oxygen species (either intrinsically or when activated using various stimuli), make them particularly adapted for cancer therapy. This review provides a comprehensive description of the fundamental aspects of SPION formulation and highlights various recent approaches regarding in vivo applications in the field of cancer therapy.

Recent Advance of Liposome Nanoparticles for Nucleic Acid Therapy

Gene therapy, as an emerging therapeutic approach, has shown remarkable advantages in the treatment of some major diseases. With the deepening of genomics research, people have gradually realized that the emergence and development of many diseases are related to genetic abnormalities. Therefore, nucleic acid drugs are gradually becoming a new boon in the treatment of diseases (especially tumors and genetic diseases). It is conservatively estimated that the global market of nucleic acid drugs will exceed $20 billion by 2025. They are simple in design, mature in synthesis, and have good biocompatibility. However, the shortcomings of nucleic acid, such as poor stability, low bioavailability, and poor targeting, greatly limit the clinical application of nucleic acid. Liposome nanoparticles can wrap nucleic acid drugs in internal cavities, increase the stability of nucleic acid and prolong blood circulation time, thus improving the transfection efficiency. This review focuses on the recent advances and potential applications of liposome nanoparticles modified with nucleic acid drugs (DNA, RNA, and ASO) and different chemical molecules (peptides, polymers, dendrimers, fluorescent molecules, magnetic nanoparticles, and receptor targeting molecules). The ability of liposome nanoparticles to deliver nucleic acid drugs is also discussed in detail. We hope that this review will help researchers design safer and more efficient liposome nanoparticles, and accelerate the application of nucleic acid drugs in gene therapy.

QCM-Based MgFe2O4@CaAlg Nanocomposite as a Fast Response Nanosensor for Real-Time Detection of Methylene Blue Dye

Methylene blue (MB) dye is a common colorant used in numerous industries, particularly the textile industry. When methylene blue is discharged into water bodies without being properly treated, it may seriously damage aquatic and human life. As a result, a variety of methods have been established to remove dyes from aqueous systems. Thanks to their distinguishing features e.g., rapid responsiveness, cost-effectiveness, potential selectivity, portability, and simplicity, the electrochemical methods provided promising techniques. Considering these aspects, a novel quartz crystal microbalance nanosensors based on green synthesized magnesium ferrite nanoparticles (QCM-Based MgFe₂O₄ NPs) and magnesium ferrite nanoparticles coated alginate hydrogel nanocomposite (QCM-Based MgFe₂O₄@CaAlg NCs) were designed for real-time detection of high concentrations of MB dye in the aqueous streams at different temperatures. The characterization results of MgFe₂O₄ NPs and MgFe₂O₄@CaAlg NCs showed that the MgFe₂O₄ NPs have synthesized in good crystallinity, spherical shape, and successfully coated by the alginate hydrogel. The performance of the designed QCM-Based MgFe₂O₄ NPs and MgFe₂O₄@CaAlg NCs nanosensors were examined by the QCM technique, where the developed nanosensors showed great potential for dealing with continuous feed, very small volumes, high concentrations of MB, and providing an instantaneous response. In addition, the alginate coating offered more significant attributes to MgFe₂O₄ NPs and enhanced the sensor work toward MB monitoring. The sensitivity of designed nanosensors was evaluated at different MB concentrations (100 mg/L, 400 mg/L, and 800 mg/L), and temperatures (25 °C, 35 °C, and 45 °C). Where a real-time detection of 400 mg/L MB was achieved using the developed sensing platforms at different temperatures within an effective time of about 5 min. The results revealed that increasing the temperature from 25 °C to 45 °C has improved the detection of MB using the MgFe₂O₄@CaAlg NCs nanosensor and the MgFe₂O₄@CaAlg NCs nanosensor exhibited high sensitivity for different MB concentrations with more efficiency than the MgFe₂O₄ NPs nanosensor.

Recent Trends and Developments in Multifunctional Nanoparticles for Cancer Theranostics

Conventional anticancer treatments, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, have significantly improved cancer therapy. Nevertheless, the existing traditional anticancer treatments have been reported to cause serious side effects and resistance to cancer and even to severely affect the quality of life of cancer survivors, which indicates the utmost urgency to develop effective and safe anticancer treatments. As the primary focus of cancer nanotheranostics, nanomaterials with unique surface chemistry and shape have been investigated for integrating cancer diagnostics with treatment techniques, including guiding a prompt diagnosis, precise imaging, treatment with an effective dose, and real-time supervision of therapeutic efficacy. Several theranostic nanosystems have been explored for cancer diagnosis and treatment in the past decade. However, metal-based nanotheranostics continue to be the most common types of nonentities. Consequently, the present review covers the physical characteristics of effective metallic, functionalized, and hybrid nanotheranostic systems. The scope of coverage also includes the clinical advantages and limitations of cancer nanotheranostics. In light of these viewpoints, future research directions exploring the robustness and clinical viability of cancer nanotheranostics through various strategies to enhance the biocompatibility of theranostic nanoparticles are summarised.

Oxidative Precipitation Synthesis of Calcium-Doped Manganese Ferrite Nanoparticles for Magnetic Hyperthermia

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles are of high interest for therapeutic applications. In this work, nanoparticles of calcium-doped manganese ferrites (Ca_xMn_1-xFe₂O₄) functionalized with citrate were synthesized through thermally assisted oxidative precipitation in aqueous media. The method provided well dispersed aqueous suspensions of nanoparticles through a one-pot synthesis, in which the temperature and Ca/Mn ratio were found to influence the particles microstructure and morphology. Consequently, changes were obtained in the optical and magnetic properties that were studied through UV-Vis absorption and SQUID, respectively. XRD and Raman spectroscopy studies were carried out to assess the microstructural changes associated with stoichiometry of the particles, and the stability in physiological pH was studied through DLS. The nanoparticles displayed high values of magnetization and heating efficiency for several alternating magnetic field conditions, compatible with biological applications. Hereby, the employed method provides a promising strategy for the development of particles with adequate properties for magnetic hyperthermia applications, such as drug delivery and cancer therapy.

SPIONs Conjugate Supported Anticancer Drug Doxorubicin's Delivery: Current Status, Challenges, and Prospects

Considerable efforts have been directed towards development of nano-structured carriers to overcome the limitations of anticancer drug, doxorubicin's, delivery to various cancer sites. The drug's severe toxicity to cardio and hepatic systems, low therapeutic outcomes, inappropriate dose-demands, metastatic and general resistance, together with non-selectivity of the drug have led to the development of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs)-based drug delivery modules. Nano-scale polymeric co-encapsulation of the drug, doxorubicin, with SPIONs, the SPIONs surface end-groups' cappings with small molecular entities, as well as structural modifications of the SPIONs' surface-located functional end-groups, to attach the doxorubicin, have been achieved through chemical bonding by conjugation and cross-linking of natural and synthetic polymers, attachments of SPIONs made directly to the non-polymeric entities, and attachments made through mediation of molecular-spacer as well as non-spacer mediated attachments of several types of chemical entities, together with the physico-chemical bondings of the moieties, e.g., peptides, proteins, antibodies, antigens, aptamers, glycoproteins, and enzymes, etc. to the SPIONs which are capable of targeting multiple kinds of cancerous sites, have provided stable and functional SPIONs-based nano-carriers suitable for the systemic, and in vitro deliveries, together with being suitable for other biomedical/biotechnical applications. Together with the SPIONs inherent properties, and ability to respond to magnetic resonance, fluorescence-directed, dual-module, and molecular-level tumor imaging; as well as multi-modular cancer cell targeting; magnetic-field-inducible drug-elution capacity, and the SPIONs' magnetometry-led feasibility to reach cancer action sites have made sensing, imaging, and drug and other payloads deliveries to cancerous sites for cancer treatment a viable option. Innovations in the preparation of SPIONs-based delivery modules, as biocompatible carriers; development of delivery route modalities; approaches to enhancing their drug delivery-cum-bioavailability have explicitly established the SPIONs' versatility for oncological theranostics and imaging. The current review outlines the development of various SPIONs-based nano-carriers for targeted doxorubicin delivery to different cancer sites through multiple methods, modalities, and materials, wherein high-potential nano-structured platforms have been conceptualized, developed, and tested for, both, in vivo and in vitro conditions. The current state of the knowledge in this arena have provided definite dose-control, site-specificity, stability, transport feasibility, and effective onsite drug de-loading, however, with certain limitations, and these shortcomings have opened the field for further advancements by identifying the bottlenecks, suggestive and plausible remediation, as well as more clear directions for future development.

Microfluidic Synthesis of -NH2- and -COOH-Functionalized Magnetite Nanoparticles

Microfluidics has emerged as a promising alternative for the synthesis of nanoparticles, which ensures precise control over the synthesis parameters, high uniformity, reproducibility, and ease of integration. Therefore, the present study investigated a one-step synthesis and functionalization of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) using sulfanilic acid (SA) and 4-sulfobenzoic acid (SBA). The flows of both the precursor and precipitating/functionalization solutions were varied in order to ensure the optimal parameters. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized through dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential, X-ray diffraction (XRD), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution TEM (HR-TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The results demonstrated the successful synthesis of magnetite as the unique mineralogical phase, as well as the functionalization of the nanoparticles. Furthermore, the possibility to control the crystallinity, size, shape, and functionalization degree by varying the synthesis parameters was further confirmed. In this manner, this study validated the potential of the microfluidic platform to develop functionalized MNPs, which are suitable for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.

Magnetic Nanoparticles: Current Advances in Nanomedicine, Drug Delivery and MRI

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have evolved tremendously during recent years, in part due to the rapid expansion of nanotechnology and to their active magnetic core with a high surface-to-volume ratio, while their surface functionalization opened the door to a plethora of drug, gene and bioactive molecule immobilization. Taming the high reactivity of the magnetic core was achieved by various functionalization techniques, producing MNPs tailored for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular or neurological disease, tumors and cancer. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are established at the core of drug-delivery systems and could act as efficient agents for MFH (magnetic fluid hyperthermia). Depending on the functionalization molecule and intrinsic morphological features, MNPs now cover a broad scope which the current review aims to overview. Considering the exponential expansion of the field, the current review will be limited to roughly the past three years.