Hope for bone regeneration: The versatility of iron oxide nanoparticles

Abstract

Although bone tissue has the ability to heal itself, beyond a certain point, bone defects cannot rebuild themselves, and the challenge is how to promote bone tissue regeneration. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are a magnetic material because of their excellent properties, which enable them to play an active role in bone regeneration. This paper reviews the application of IONPs in bone tissue regeneration in recent years, and outlines the mechanisms of IONPs in bone tissue regeneration in detail based on the physicochemical properties, structural characteristics and safety of IONPs. In addition, a bibliometric approach has been used to analyze the hot spots and trends in the field in order to identify future directions. The results demonstrate that IONPs are increasingly being investigated in bone regeneration, from the initial use as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents to later drug delivery vehicles, cell labeling, and now in combination with stem cells (SCs) composite scaffolds. In conclusion, based on the current research and development trends, it is more inclined to be used in bone tissue engineering, scaffolds, and composite scaffolds.

Advanced strategies of scaffolds design for bone regeneration

“…MRI can overcome the disadvantages of the X‐ray‐based technique to some extent. For MRI, iron‐based particles [155] and rare earth elements [156–158] are often used as contrast agents. For example, dopamine‐Fe (III) chelating nanoparticles were applied to monitor the state of implanted hydrogels and newborn cartilage in a real‐time and non‐invasive manner [159] .…”

Magnetic Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles in Regenerative Medicine and Nanomedicine

“…A variety of magnetic biomaterials are used for bone regeneration, including iron oxide nanoparticles [ 57 ], magnetic hydroxyapatite [ 232 ], magnetic composite [ 236 ], magnetically functionalized scaffolds [ 237 ], and magnetic nanoparticle-labeled cells [ 238 ], facilitating targeted therapies and improved tissue healing through magnetic field manipulation.…”

“…MNPs, such as SPIONs, have attracted a lot of attention in the field of nano-medicine due to higher saturation magnetization and magnetic susceptibility [ 26 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 ]. Regarding their impact on cells, many studies indicate that iron oxide nanoparticles exhibit a fair biocompatibility and generally remain inert towards cells under normal conditions, even though there are some potential adverse effects such as the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells through the Fenton reaction [ 55 ] and the triggering of inflammatory responses under certain conditions, particularly when subjected to an external magnetic field [ 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 ]. To prevent or limit this drawback, SPIONs are often developed with a thin external coating to limit cytotoxicity effects [ 62 , 63 ].…”

Materials‐Mediated In Situ Physical Cues for Bone Regeneration

“…The development of novel magnetic control systems and the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles with high magnetic moments may solve this problem. [ 204b,217 ]…”