In vivo Biodistribution and Clearance of Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Medical Applications

Abstract

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (magnetite and maghemite) are intensively studied due to their broad potential applications in medical and biological sciences. Their unique properties, such as nanometric size, large specific surface area, and superparamagnetism, allow them to be used in targeted drug delivery and internal radiotherapy by targeting an external magnetic field. In addition, they are successfully used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hyperthermia, and radiolabelling. The appropriate design of nanoparticles allows them to be delivered to the desired tissues and organs. The desired biodistribution of nanoparticles, eg, cancerous tumors, is increased using an external magnetic field. Thus, knowledge of the biodistribution of these nanoparticles is essential for medical applications. It allows for determining whether nanoparticles are captured by the desired organs or accumulated in other tissues, which may lead to potential toxicity. This review article presents the main organs where nanoparticles accumulate. The sites of their first uptake are usually the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes, but with the appropriate design of nanoparticles, they can also be accumulated in organs such as the lungs, heart, or brain. In addition, the review describes the factors affecting the biodistribution of nanoparticles, including their size, shape, surface charge, coating molecules, and route of administration. Modern techniques for determining nanoparticle accumulation sites and concentration in isolated tissues or the body in vivo are also presented.

Modulation of calcium signaling and metabolic pathways in endothelial cells with magnetic fields

“…These can be delivered and retained on cell membranes by one of the methods described in ref. 116–118. Additionally, for monitoring the location and distribution of nanoparticles, visualization methods described in ref.…”

Advances in Atherosclerosis Theranostics Harnessing Iron Oxide‐Based Nanoparticles

“…Many factors can affect the biological distribution and degradation of IONPs or IONPs‐based nanotheranostics, including size and shape, surface charge, coating molecules, targeting and administration approaches, etc. [ 167 ] These factors are carefully considered to design and optimize the biodistribution and metabolic pathways of nanoparticles. Notably, although rapid elimination is a safer and simpler strategy, many nanomedicines are designed to obtain a longer circulation time, accumulate in diseased tissues, and gradually degrade, which is also reflected in many converted clinical drugs.…”

Nanoparticles for efficient drug delivery and drug resistance in glioma: New perspectives

“…Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are nanomaterials with superparamagnetic properties and core diameters ranging from 3 to 15 nm; SPIONs have excellent magnetic properties and stability and can be stabilized under physiological conditions 91,142,143 . Such NPs can be obtained by various preparation methods, including high‐temperature thermal decomposition of organic precursors and chemical synthesis 144–146 . Among them, high‐temperature pyrolysis of organic precursors is a commonly used preparation method to obtain SPIONs with uniform size and morphology; SPIONs can be used as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging to improve image resolution and contrast due to their small size and magnetic response.…”

“… 91 , 142 , 143 Such NPs can be obtained by various preparation methods, including high‐temperature thermal decomposition of organic precursors and chemical synthesis. 144 , 145 , 146 Among them, high‐temperature pyrolysis of organic precursors is a commonly used preparation method to obtain SPIONs with uniform size and morphology; SPIONs can be used as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging to improve image resolution and contrast due to their small size and magnetic response. In addition, SPION can be used for drug delivery and magnetic thermotherapy.…”