Recent Advancements of Specific Functionalized Surfaces of Magnetic Nano- and Microparticles as a Theranostics Source in Biomedicine

Abstract

Magnetic nano-and microparticles (MNMPs) belong to a highly versatile class of colloids with actuator and sensor properties that have been broadly studied for their application in theranostics such as molecular imaging and drug delivery. The use of advanced biocompatible, biodegradable polymers and polyelectrolytes as MNMP coating materials is essential to ensure the stability of MNMPs and enable efficient drug release while at the same time preventing cytotoxic effects. In the past years, huge progress has been made in terms of the design of MNMPs. Especially, the understanding of coating formation with respect to control of drug loading and release kinetics on the molecular level has significantly advanced. In this review, recent advancements in the field of MNMP surface engineering and the applicability of MNMPs in research fields of medical imaging, diagnosis, and nanotherapeutics are presented and discussed. Furthermore, in this review the main emphasis is put on the manipulation of biological specimens and cell trafficking, for which MNMPs represent a favorable tool enabling transport processes of drugs through cell membranes. Finally, challenges and future perspectives for applications of MNMPs as theranostic nanomaterials are discussed.

Rational design of stimuli‐responsive magnetic polymer hybrid (nano)materials

“…The versatility of MNPs is well acknowledged and summarized in various reviews. [24][25][26] MNPs can be prepared from various metals, mainly iron, cobalt, nickel and rare-earth metals. Among these, IONPs including magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ) 27 and maghemite (γ-Fe 2 O 3 ) 28 are the most common.…”

“…Since the pioneering work of Louis Néel in the 1950s, there is an ongoing and steady interest in the use of MNPs. The versatility of MNPs is well acknowledged and summarized in various reviews 24–26 …”

Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Techniques: Technical Principles and Applications in Nanomedicine

“…Today, nanotechnology is involved in a wide range of biomedical applications as well as vaccine and drug delivery, imaging, nanosensors, nano-assisted therapies, and engineering [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. Nanotechnology has advanced rapidly in recent years, bringing significant benefits by treating diseases with greater accuracy and efficacy and by enabling new methods for tumor theranostics [ 14 , 15 , 16 ]. Nanoparticles integrating imaging, targeting, and therapeutic agents in a single instrument are more useful than separate therapeutic or diagnostic agents [ 17 , 18 ].…”

Intracellular Delivery of Micron-Sized Magnetic Particles through a Virus Infection Pathway

“…However, because of their relatively large size, M-MPs are usually prevented from entering cells and are endocytosed by only a few cell types, such as macrophages, hepatocytes, stem cells, and nerve cells . Surface modification with specific ligands allows M-MPs to enter target cells via an active method, specifically through ligand–receptor binding, − although there are still some restrictions, such as the low efficiency of cell internalization.…”