Recently lots of efforts have been taken to develop superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) for biomedical applications. So it is utmost necessary to have in depth knowledge of the toxicity occurred by this material. This article is designed in such way that it covers all the associated toxicity issues of SPIONs. It mainly emphasis on toxicity occurred at different levels including cellular alterations in the form of damage to nucleic acids due to oxidative stress and altered cellular response. In addition focus is been devoted for in vitro and in vivo toxicity of SPIONs, so that a better therapeutics can be designed. At the end the time dependent nature of toxicity and its ultimate faith inside the body is being discussed.

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Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) alone are suitable for a broad spectrum of applications, but the low stability and heterogeneous size distribution in aqueous medium represent major setbacks. These setbacks can however be reduced or diminished through functionalization of MNPs with various biocompatible surfactants. In this study, magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ) nanoparticles were modified using oleic acid (OA) to reduce their agglomeration. To render hydrophilicity and to increase the colloidal stability of the MNPs, they were further functionalized with betaine-HCl (BTH). The physiochemical properties were well characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy and superconducting quantum interference device of the OA-BTH coated Fe 3 O 4 MNPs in order to use them for hyperthermia application. Zeta potential study and size distribution of nanoparticles showed increased stability of the nanoparticles. The coated MNPs show increase in specific absorption rate value of 91.03 W g À1 at 335.2 Oe, making them more suitable for hyperthermia application. Cytotoxicity study was performed by MTT assay on L929 cell line for 24 h incubation period.

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