Fe3O4 Core–Shell Nanostructures with Anticancer and Antibacterial Properties: A Mini-Review

Abstract

Core–shell nanoparticles are functional materials with tailored properties, able to improve the requirements of various applications. Both core and shell components can be inorganic or organic, and there are numerous studies in this field regarding their synthesis methods, properties, and applications. This review aims to study core–shell nanostructures with Fe3O4 cores and different shell types, observing their antibacterial and anticancer properties. By the type of coating, Fe3O4 core–shell nanoparticles (NPs) are classified into four categories: metal-coated NPs, metal-organic framework (MOF) coated NPs, metal oxide coated NPs, and polymer-coated NPs. Each category is briefly presented, emphasizing anticancer or antibacterial properties and specific applications (cancer diagnosis or therapy, drug carrier). Moreover, synthesis methods and particle size for both core and shell nanostructures, as well as the magnetic properties of the final core–shell material, are summarized in this review. Most of the consulted papers discussed sphere-like core–shell nanoparticles obtained by chemical methods such as coprecipitation, hydrothermal, and green synthesis methods using plant extract. These types of core–shell nanoparticles could be used as drug nanocarriers for tumor-targeted drug delivery, hyperthermia treatment, or contrast agents. Further work needs to be conducted to understand nanoparticles’ interaction with living cells and their traceability in the human body.

Chitosan-Coated Superparamagnetic Fe3O4 Nanoparticles for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Magnetic Hyperthermia, and Drug Delivery

“…However, bare magnetite SPIONs may have cytotoxic effects. , Thus, in order to address a variety of biomedical applications, SPIONs are usually coated to improve their colloidal stability and their biocompatibility . Such coated particles are usually referred to as “core–shell” SPIONs . Many types of shells have been reported.…”

Reactive Polymer Composite Microparticles Based on Glycidyl Methacrylate and Magnetite Nanoparticles

“…Magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ) nanoparticles also have great research interest due to their potential applications in numerous areas, such as, for example, mineral separation [10], heat transfer [11], electrophotography [12], and different biomedical applications (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), gene therapy, hyperthermia, chemotherapy, and controlled drug transport) [13][14][15][16][17][18][19].…”

“…Polymer coatings can be used to prevent MNPs from aggregation and agglomeration, increase compatibility between MNPs and the aqueous environment, prevent their surface from oxidizing, reduce toxicity, prevent direct contact of the magnetic substance with the environment, increase colloidal and chemical stability, and facilitate storage or transportation. At the same time, the modification of the iron oxide surface with polymers can expand the scope of the use of materials that have embedded magnetic nanoparticles with completely new applications, such as water purification [25][26][27], cell separation and detection [28,29], proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes [30][31][32], and catalyst immobilization [33][34][35], as well as in various fields of biotechnology and biomedicine, for example, as systems for targeted drug delivery, DNA isolation, and magnetic hyperthermia targeted drug delivery, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [18,[35][36][37][38].…”