Externally Induced Drug Release Systems with Magnetic Nanoparticle Carriers: An Emerging Field in Nanomedicine

Abstract

Core-shell nanoparticles that exhibit superparamagnetic properties and stability as colloidal suspensions have been widely employed for medical imaging, diagnosis, and targeted drug delivery. These materials are engineered for spatial guidance using an external magnetic field and are capable of transporting therapeutic payloads such as clinical drugs and protein structures. They can be tagged with fluorescent dyes and quantum dots as spectroscopic markers; and can generate an acute influx of heat when exposed to an alternating magnetic field. When these functions are used in combination, core-shell nanoparticles can operate in a multimodal fashion, on demand, using external and non-invasive stimuli. In this short review, selected examples of externally induced drug release systems with magnetic nanoparticle carriers are highlighted. This new and emerging field of nanomedicine has enormous potential to advance our therapeutic capabilities with a central concept of targeting, locating, and detonating diseased and cancerous tissues in vivo with precise ex vivo control.

Wireless on-demand drug delivery

“…Multiple approaches have been employed to utilize highfrequency magnetic fields in drug delivery and hyperthermia for tumour ablation 7,8,61,62 . One of the most promising designs uses MNPs to release therapeutic cargos from micro/nano hollow capsules (for example, liposomes) [63][64][65] or solid particles (for example, polymer based) [66][67][68] .…”

“…Scalability for mass production. There is a rich literature on proof of concepts for various elegant DDSs that are fabricated from complex/long reaction routes and exotic precursors 7,70 . However, their scalability for mass production needs to be studied further.…”

“…On the basis of advances in electronics, actuators and materials engineering, powerful wireless on-demand drug delivery techniques have been created. These approaches exploit exogenous stimuli, including acoustic waves [1][2][3][4] , electric fields 5,6 , magnetic fields 7,8 and electromagnetic radiation [9][10][11] , to trigger the drug carriers. Depending on the material and design of the drug carrier, the physiological characteristics of the target site, and the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the cargo, each of these stimuli has particular applications.…”

Plasmon-Enhanced Controlled Drug Release from Ag-PMA Capsules

“…Externally triggerable drug delivery systems show the ability to enhance therapeutic efficacy, while reducing side effects [33,34]. In particular, the unique optical, physical and magnetic properties of inorganic NPs are exploited to reach a selective drug release induced by an external stimulus, such as the application of a magnetic field or light irradiation [35,36]. Light is a versatile and easily tuned external stimulus that can provide spatio-temporal control.…”

Preparation of Titanium Oxide-Based Nanoparticles Modified with D-(+)-Mannose and Investigation of their Properties As A Potential Drug Carrier

“…Good examples are nanoparticles with a coreshell structure are magnetoliposomes (maghemite nanocrystals enclosed in liposomes). The release of the drug occurs due to the heat generated by the carrier under the influence of an oscillating magnetic field [28]. Heat sensitive media, including micelles, polymers, and hydrogels, change their conformation, solubility, or hydrophilicity at a given temperature, leading to the release of the drug.…”