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The enormous development of nanomaterials technology and the immediate response of many areas of science, research, and practice to their possible application has led to the publication of thousands of scientific papers, books, and reports. This vast amount of information requires careful classification and order, especially for specifically targeted practical needs. Therefore, the present review aims to summarize to some extent the role of iron oxide nanoparticles in biomedical research. Summarizing the fundamental properties of the magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, the review’s next focus was to classify research studies related to applying these particles for cancer diagnostics and therapy (similar to photothermal therapy, hyperthermia), in nano theranostics, multimodal therapy. Special attention is paid to research studies dealing with the opportunities of combining different nanomaterials to achieve optimal systems for biomedical application. In this regard, original data about the synthesis and characterization of nanolipidic magnetic hybrid systems are included as an example. The last section of the review is dedicated to the capacities of magnetite-based magnetic nanoparticles for the management of oncological diseases.

A targeted drug delivery system is the need of the hour. Guiding magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with the help of an external magnetic field to its target is the principle behind the development of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as novel drug delivery vehicles. SPIONs are small synthetic γ-Fe₂O₃ (maghemite) or Fe₃O₄ (magnetite) particles with a core ranging between 10 nm and 100 nm in diameter. These magnetic particles are coated with certain biocompatible polymers, such as dextran or polyethylene glycol, which provide chemical handles for the conjugation of therapeutic agents and also improve their blood distribution profile. The current research on SPIONs is opening up wide horizons for their use as diagnostic agents in magnetic resonance imaging as well as for drug delivery vehicles. Delivery of anticancer drugs by coupling with functionalized SPIONs to their targeted site is one of the most pursued areas of research in the development of cancer treatment strategies. SPIONs have also demonstrated their efficiency as nonviral gene vectors that facilitate the introduction of plasmids into the nucleus at rates multifold those of routinely available standard technologies. SPION-induced hyperthermia has also been utilized for localized killing of cancerous cells. Despite their potential biomedical application, alteration in gene expression profiles, disturbance in iron homeostasis, oxidative stress, and altered cellular responses are some SPION-related toxicological aspects which require due consideration. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of SPIONs with regard to their method of preparation, their utility as drug delivery vehicles, and some concerns which need to be resolved before they can be moved from bench top to bedside.

Iron oxide nanoparticles have unique magnetic properties and therefore readily respond to applied magnetic fields. Moreover, their surfaces can be used to attach active molecules via various covalent or noncovalent interactions. Thus, they can be used as drug carriers for magnetically controlled delivery to specific biological sites of interest. In the present study, we have synthesized aqueous dispersed samples of citric acid-capped iron oxide nanoparticles, and the anticancer drug doxorubicin was then linked with these superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles via a simple noncovalent interaction. Our results show that the conjugated drug releases from the nanoparticles in a sustained manner. The cellular uptake of these nanoparticles was found to be substantial, although it can be further enhanced using magnetic guidance. These nanoparticles (drug free) were found to be nontoxic to cells; however, upon drug conjugation, drug-induced toxicity was observed, owing to the slow release of drug from the nanoparticles.

This study was performed to synthesize a radiopharmaceutical designed for multimodal hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment involving radionuclide therapy and magnetic hyperthermia. To achieve this goal, the superparamagnetic iron oxide (magnetite) nanoparticles (SPIONs) were covered with a layer of radioactive gold ([sup.198]Au) creating core-shell nanoparticles (SPION@Au). The synthesized SPION@Au nanoparticles exhibited superparamagnetic properties with a saturation magnetization of 50 emu/g, which is lower than reported for uncoated SPIONs (83 emu/g). Nevertheless, the SPION@Au core-shell nanoparticles showed a sufficiently high saturation magnetization value which allows them to reach a temperature of 43 °C at a magnetic field frequency of 386 kHz. The cytotoxic effect of nonradioactive and radioactive SPION@Au-polyethylene glycol (PEG) bioconjugates was carried out by treating HepG2 cells with various concentrations (1.25-100.00 µg/mL) of the compound and radioactivity in range of 1.25-20 MBq/mL. The moderate cytotoxic effect of nonradioactive SPION@Au-PEG bioconjugates on HepG2 was observed. The cytotoxic effect associated with the β[sup.−] radiation emitted by [sup.198]Au was much greater and already reaches a cell survival fraction below 8% for 2.5 MBq/mL of radioactivity after 72 h. Thus, the killing of HepG2 cells in HCC therapy should be possible due to the combination of the heat-generating properties of the SPION-[sup.198]Au-PEG conjugates and the radiotoxicity of the radiation emitted by [sup.198]Au.

The recent, fast development of nanotechnology is reflected in the medical sciences. Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) are an excellent example. Thanks to their superparamagnetic properties, SPIONs have found application in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and magnetic hyperthermia. Unlike bulk iron, SPIONs do not have remnant magnetization in the absence of the external magnetic field; therefore, a precise remote control over their action is possible. This makes them also useful as a component of the advanced drug delivery systems. Due to their easy synthesis, biocompatibility, multifunctionality, and possibility of further surface modification with various chemical agents, SPIONs could support many fields of medicine. SPIONs have also some disadvantages, such as their high uptake by macrophages. Nevertheless, based on the ongoing studies, they seem to be very promising in oncological therapy (especially in the brain, breast, prostate, and pancreatic tumors). The main goal of our paper is, therefore, to present the basic properties of SPIONs, to discuss their current role in medicine, and to review their applications in order to inspire future developments of new, improved SPION systems.

The development of more sensitive diagnostic tools allowing an early-stageand highly efficient medical imaging of tumors remains a challenge. Magneticnanoparticles seem to be the contrast agents with the highest potential, if properlyconstructed. Therefore, in this study, hybrid magnetic nanoarchitectures weredeveloped using a new amphiphilic inulin-based graft copolymer （INU-LA-PEG-FA） as coating material for 10-nm spinel iron oxide （magnetite, Fe304）superparamagnetic nanoparticles （SPION）. Folic acid （FA） covalently linked tothe coating copolymer in order to be exposed onto the nanoparticle surface waschosen as the targeting agent because folate receptors are upregulated in manycancer types. Physicochemical characterization and in vitro biocompatibilitystudy was then performed on the prepared magnetic nanoparticles. The improvedtargeting and imaging properties of the prepared FA-SPIONs were furtherevaluated in nude mice using 7-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging （MRI）.FA-SPIONs exhibited the ability to act as efficient contrast agents in conventionalMRI, providing a potential nanoplatform not only for tumor diagnosis but alsofor cancer treatment, through the delivery of anticancer drug or locoregional magnetic hvverthermia.

Central nervous system diseases are a heavy burden on society and health care systems. Hence, the delivery of drugs to the brain has gained more and more interest. The brain is protected by the blood–brain barrier (BBB), a selective barrier formed by the endothelial cells of the cerebral microvessels, which at the same time acts as a bottleneck for drug delivery by preventing the vast majority of drugs to reach the brain. To overcome this obstacle, drugs can be loaded inside nanoparticles that can carry the drug through the BBB. However, not all particles are able to cross the BBB and a multitude of factors needs to be taken into account when developing a carrier system for this purpose. Depending on the chosen pathway to cross the BBB, nanoparticle material, size and surface properties such as functionalization and charge should be tailored to fit the specific route of BBB crossing.

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) bear big hopes in nanomedicine due to their (potential) applications in tumor therapy, drug delivery or bioimaging. However, as foreign entities, such particles may be recognized by the immune system and, thus, lead to inflammation, hypersensitivity or anaphylactic shock. In addition, an overload with iron is known to cause oxidative stress. In this short review, we summarize the biological effects of such particles with a major focus on IONP-formulations used for bioimaging purposes and their effects on the human immune system. We conclude that especially the characteristics of the particles (size, shape, surface charge, coating, etc. ) as well as the presence of bystander substances, such as bacterial endotoxin are important factors determining the resulting biological and immunological effects of IONPs. Further studies are needed in order to establish clear structure-activity relationships.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are promising contrast agents for imaging-guided cancer therapies. However, challenges such as the requirement for a high alternating magnetic field (AMF), dosage limitations, and suboptimal imaging contrast have hindered their practical applications. Methods: First, the optimal doping ratio of Mn and Zn in MnxZn1-xFe2O4 nanoparticles synthesized using a modified high-temperature thermal decomposition method (mHTTD) was determined. Then, the magnetic and physical properties of the optimal 7-nm Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 SPIONs were systematically and comprehensively characterized via hysteresis measurements, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. Next, the stability, biosafety, biocompatibility, and theranostic performance of 7-nm Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 SPIONs in magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT) were evaluated by in vivo and in vitro studies involving mouse models, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and bioassays. The results were then compared with those for conventional SPIONs. Results: Under an AMF of 140 Oe at 100 kHz, 7-nm Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 SPIONs demonstrated significantly higher heat production than conventional SPIONs. Following surface modification with methoxy-PEG-silane, PEGylated 7-nm Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 SPIONs showed excellent monodispersity and magnetic properties, with an exceptionally high T2 relaxivity (r2). Conclusions: The high in vitro and in vivo theranostic performance of PEGylated 7-nm Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 SPIONs as efficient and stable contrast agents for treating glioblastoma, encompassing strengthened magnetic hyperthermia, activated anti-tumor immunity, and remarkable T2 contrast enhancement, underscores the potential of precisely designed ferrites to concurrently enhance the T2 contrast and magnetocaloric properties for optimal theranostic outcomes. Our study provides a compelling rationale for the development of tailored magnetic nanoprobes for improved glioblastoma theranostics.Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are promising contrast agents for imaging-guided cancer therapies. However, challenges such as the requirement for a high alternating magnetic field (AMF), dosage limitations, and suboptimal imaging contrast have hindered their practical applications. Methods: First, the optimal doping ratio of Mn and Zn in MnxZn1-xFe2O4 nanoparticles synthesized using a modified high-temperature thermal decomposition method (mHTTD) was determined. Then, the magnetic and physical properties of the optimal 7-nm Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 SPIONs were systematically and comprehensively characterized via hysteresis measurements, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. Next, the stability, biosafety, biocompatibility, and theranostic performance of 7-nm Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 SPIONs in magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT) were evaluated by in vivo and in vitro studies involving mouse models, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and bioassays. The results were then compared with those for conventional SPIONs. Results: Under an AMF of 140 Oe at 100 kHz, 7-nm Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 SPIONs demonstrated significantly higher heat production than conventional SPIONs. Following surface modification with methoxy-PEG-silane, PEGylated 7-nm Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 SPIONs showed excellent monodispersity and magnetic properties, with an exceptionally high T2 relaxivity (r2). Conclusions: The high in vitro and in vivo theranostic performance of PEGylated 7-nm Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 SPIONs as efficient and stable contrast agents for treating glioblastoma, encompassing strengthened magnetic hyperthermia, activated anti-tumor immunity, and remarkable T2 contrast enhancement, underscores the potential of precisely designed ferrites to concurrently enhance the T2 contrast and magnetocaloric properties for optimal theranostic outcomes. Our study provides a compelling rationale for the development of tailored magnetic nanoprobes for improved glioblastoma theranostics.

Magnetic drug targeting (MDT) is an effective alternative for common drug applications, which reduces the systemic drug load and maximizes the effect of, eg, chemotherapeutics at the site of interest. After the conjugation of a magnetic carrier to a chemotherapeutic agent, the intra-arterial injection into a tumor-afferent artery in the presence of an external magnetic field ensures the accumulation of the drug within the tumor tissue. In this study, we used superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) coated with lauric acid and human serum albumin as carriers for paclitaxel (SPION ). To investigate whether this particle system is suitable for a potential treatment of cancer, we investigated its physicochemical properties by dynamic light scattering, ζ potential measurements, isoelectric point titration, infrared spectroscopy, drug release quantification, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The cytotoxic effects were evaluated using extensive toxicological methods using flow cytometry, IncuCyte live-cell imaging, and growth experiments on different human breast cancer cell lines in two- and three-dimensional cell cultures. The data showed that next to their high magnetization capability, SPION have similar cytostatic effects on human breast cancer cells as pure paclitaxel, suggesting their usage for future MDT-based cancer therapy.