Iron-Based Magnetic Nanosystems for Diagnostic Imaging and Drug Delivery: Towards Transformative Biomedical Applications

Abstract

The advancement of biomedicine in a socioeconomically sustainable manner while achieving efficient patient-care is imperative to the health and well-being of society. Magnetic systems consisting of iron based nanosized components have gained prominence among researchers in a multitude of biomedical applications. This review focuses on recent trends in the areas of diagnostic imaging and drug delivery that have benefited from iron-incorporated nanosystems, especially in cancer treatment, diagnosis and wound care applications. Discussion on imaging will emphasise on developments in MRI technology and hyperthermia based diagnosis, while advanced material synthesis and targeted, triggered transport will be the focus for drug delivery. Insights onto the challenges in transforming these technologies into day-to-day applications will also be explored with perceptions onto potential for patient-centred healthcare.

Advances in the Optimization of Fe Nanoparticles: Unlocking Antifungal Properties for Biomedical Applications

“…Targeted medication delivery is one of the main areas in which optimized Fe NPs are used. These Fe NPs can be functionalized with targeting ligands and encapsulated with certain medications to transport them directly to the intended location within the body [185]. The small size and wide surface area of Fe NPs allow for better cellular absorption and effective passage across biological barriers, which improves drug delivery [186].…”

“…Furthermore, the optimization of Fe NPs for biomedical application may enable their integration into a range of implants and medical equipment, including catheters, prosthetic devices, and wound dressings. Fe NPs can be applied to render the surfaces of such medical devices or equipment unsuitable for or unfriendly to fungal colonization, thus lowering the risk of infection and improving patient safety [185]. In general, the biomedical field can undergo a transformation if Fe NPs are optimized before their incorporation into biomedical applications.…”

Delivery of miR‐3529‐3p using MnO2‐SiO2‐APTES nanoparticles combined with phototherapy suppresses lung adenocarcinoma progression by targeting HIGD1A

“…However, these traditional therapies are limited because of poor treatment efficiency and improper drug targeting and delivery 5,6 . To confront these challenges, researchers from different disciplines, including therapeutics, chemistry, materials science, and pharmacology, have collaborated closely to apply nanosystems to cancer therapies 7–10 . Nanosystems within the dimensions of 1 to 100 nm have been proposed for their minimal invasiveness, high effectiveness, and efficient drug delivery 11–13 .…”

“… 5 , 6 To confront these challenges, researchers from different disciplines, including therapeutics, chemistry, materials science, and pharmacology, have collaborated closely to apply nanosystems to cancer therapies. 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 Nanosystems within the dimensions of 1 to 100 nm have been proposed for their minimal invasiveness, high effectiveness, and efficient drug delivery. 11 , 12 , 13 Several variants of nano‐drug delivery systems have been successfully studied for therapeutic applications, such as liposomes, dendrimers, polymeric nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, carbon nanotubes, gold nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, hydrogels, and micelles.…”

On the Road to Precision Medicine: Magnetic Systems for Tissue Regeneration, Drug Delivery, Imaging, and Theranostics

“…S.H. Bossmann et al described the current trends in applying iron-incorporated nanosystems to various areas of diagnostic imaging and drug delivery, focusing on cancer treatment, diagnosis, and wound care [ 8 ]. M. Cerqueira et al provided an extensive overview of cancer theranostics with magnetic solid lipid nanoparticles being used in clinical trials [ 9 ], thus depicting the emergence of next-gen theranostic nanomedicines with potential for the selective, controlled, and safe delivery of chemotherapy.…”