RECENT ADVANCES IN IRON OXIDE NANOPARTICLES FOR DIAGNOSTIC, THERAPEUTIC AND BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have emerged versatile nanomaterials that has a high potential in the biomedical sciences because of its magnetic characteristics, biocompatibility, and straightforward functionalization of the surface. This review is an overview of the recent developments in the diagnostic and therapeutic uses of the IONPs with special reference to the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), targeted drug delivery, and magnetic hyperthermia. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have been shown to be performing outstandingly as T2 MRI contrast agents to allow enhanced imaging of diseased tissues. Moreover, functionalized IONPs are also useful as the vectors of chemotherapeutic drugs and natural bioactive agents in order to enable the stimuli-responsive release of drugs and magnetically directed drug delivery. IONPs have also been identified as promising cancer hyperthermia that employs their property of producing localized heat in the presence of an alternating magnetic field and thermoablation. Moreover, new uses in biosensing, gene delivery, and tissue regeneration, discussed, and main issues associated with in vivo behavior, safety, and clinical translation.