Multifunctional Iron Oxide Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications: A Review

Abstract

Due to their good magnetic properties, excellent biocompatibility, and low price, magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are the most commonly used magnetic nanomaterials and have been extensively explored in biomedical applications. Although magnetic IONPs can be used for a variety of applications in biomedicine, most practical applications require IONP-based platforms that can perform several tasks in parallel. Thus, appropriate engineering and integration of magnetic IONPs with different classes of organic and inorganic materials can produce multifunctional nanoplatforms that can perform several functions simultaneously, allowing their application in a broad spectrum of biomedical fields. This review article summarizes the fabrication of current composite nanoplatforms based on integration of magnetic IONPs with organic dyes, biomolecules (e.g., lipids, DNAs, aptamers, and antibodies), quantum dots, noble metal NPs, and stimuli-responsive polymers. We also highlight the recent technological advances achieved from such integrated multifunctional platforms and their potential use in biomedical applications, including dual-mode imaging for biomolecule detection, targeted drug delivery, photodynamic therapy, chemotherapy, and magnetic hyperthermia therapy.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for magnetic hyperthermia: recent advancements, molecular effects, and future directions in the omics era

“…A considerable amount of research is focused on tailoring the surface of SPIONs and of their nanocomposites with biological molecules that can interact with specific receptors on target cells; this strategy can deliver nanocarriers to deep-seated tumours, providing localized hyperthermia, and preventing damages on healthy tissues. 129 Despite all these advantages, there are still some key aspects that need to be addressed in order to improve SPIONsmediated magnetic hyperthermia and facilitate its clinical translation. For instance, improved targeting strategies with patient specificity would significantly reduce non-specific heating and increase efficacy, even in tumours with high genetic heterogeneity.…”

Safety and Toxicity Implications of Multifunctional Drug Delivery Nanocarriers on Reproductive Systems In Vitro and In Vivo

“…Adverse effects which have an impact on the developing fetus at any of the developmental stages may be the consequences of the exposure of parents to nanomaterials toxins and can be categorized as developmental toxicities. Negative impacts of various environmental contaminations, such as polluting agents, on developmental stages or the reproductive system of animals or humans are shown in Figure 2 ( Brohi et al, 2017 ; Tran et al, 2022 ). Nanoparticles can also negatively impact the reproductive organs’ functions, including their pathophysiological structures, germline cellular components, and fertility paradigms.…”

“…IUGR, intrauterine growth retardation; LBW, low birth weight; PTD, preterm delivery. Adapted from Brohi et al (2017 ) and Tran et al (2022 )…”

Magnetic Core-Shell Iron Oxides-Based Nanophotocatalysts and Nanoadsorbents for Multifunctional Thin Films

“…Due to magnetic, optical and electrical properties, biocompatibility, eco-friendliness and low price [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ], iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been used for preparation of multifunctional thin films and membranes with numerous applications. Thus, maghemite (γ-Fe 2 O 3 ) and magnetite Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles (NPs) are two of the most important iron oxides for food safety (packing [ 5 ], insecticide extraction [ 6 ], sensing for contaminants [ 7 ]) in adsorption and photocatalytic processes (heavy metal detection and removal [ 8 ] and degradation of organic pollutants [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]), electronic field (batteries and magnetic storage media [ 1 , 15 ]) and theranostic applications [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. When the particle size drops below 50 nm, and especially below 20 nm, their magnetic properties change considerably.…”