Magnetic nanoparticles: an update of application for drug delivery and possible toxic effects

Abstract

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) represent a subclass within the overall category of nanomaterials and are widely used in many applications, particularly in the biomedical sciences such as targeted delivery of drugs or genes, in magnetic resonance imaging, and in hyperthermia (treating tumors with heat). Although the potential benefits of MNPs are considerable, there is a distinct need to identify any potential toxicity associated with these MNPs. The potential of MNPs in drug delivery stems from the intrinsic properties of the magnetic core combined with their drug loading capability and the biomedical properties of MNPs generated by different surface coatings. These surface modifications alter the particokinetics and toxicity of MNPs by changing protein-MNP or cell-MNP interactions. This review contains current advances in MNPs for drug delivery and their possible organ toxicities associated with disturbance in body iron homeostasis. The importance of protein-MNP interactions and various safety considerations relating to MNP exposure are also addressed.

Large scale production of biocompatible magnetite nanocrystals with high saturation magnetization values through green aqueous synthesis

“…[1][2][3] They can be applied in diagnosis as molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, in specific drug targeting, in magnetofection for gene therapy, 4 tissue engineering and repair, biosensing, biochemical separations, bioanalysis 5 and also in cancer treatment by hyperthermia. 6,7 In particular, iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (magnetite, Fe 3 O 4 and maghemite, -Fe 2 O 3 ) have received a notable interest in this field because of their biocompatibility, biodegradability and physiological stability.…”

A comprehensive literatures update of clinical researches of superparamagnetic resonance iron oxide nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging

“…For a translational approach, toxicity assessments should be performed on case by case basis. A number of clinical safety issues of clinical approved SPIO have been described, thought the incidence is overall uncommon (14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19). Importantly, SPIO is not indicated in pregnant women.…”

Magnetite (Fe3 O4 ) nanoparticles: Are they really safe?

“…with targeting ligand/ molecules attached to their surfaces) used together with the aid of an external magnetic field is recognized as a modern technology to introduce particles to the desired site, where the drug is released locally, and it represents a great advantage to IONPs per se. Engineered IONPs, such a system, have the potential to minimize the side effects and to release the required dosage of the drugs at the target site/tissue (Kim et al, 2012). These affirmations and the fact that some IONPs (with different coating materials) are approved by FDA (Carenza et al, 2014;Araki et al, 2013;Kong et al, 2012;Gupta et al, 2007), implies IONPs are safe for human uses, biomedical applications and nanobiotechnological developments (Kim et al, 2012), on the contrary consumer safety are still unknown, and it would be needed to test the "real risk" exposure, since, once the engineered IONPs are inside the cells, the coating is likely digested leaving bare particles exposed to cellular components and organelles thereby potentially influencing the overall integrity of the cells.…”

“…with targeting ligand/ molecules attached to their surfaces) used together with the aid of an external magnetic field is recognized as a modern technology to introduce particles to the desired site where the drug is released locally represent a great advantage 78 (Kim et al, 2012). However, once the engineered Fe 3 O 4 -NPs are inside the cells, the coating is likely digested leaving bare particles exposed to cellular components and organelles thereby potentially influencing the overall integrity of the cells.…”