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

A special issue of Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 November 2022) | Viewed by 27073

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Interests: synthesis and modification of colloidal particles; optical studies of these particles, investigation of cell uptake mechanisms; crystallography of calcium carbonate; anticancer drug delivery systems

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Molecular and Preclinical Imaging Centers, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
Interests: magnetic resonance imaging; NMR techniques; relaxometry; MRI contrast agents; nanoparticles and microparticles; SPIO; sonosensitive systems; targeted drug delivery; controlled drug delivery; theranostics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Soft Robotics Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
Interests: tissue engineering; bio-hybrid robotics; regenerative medicine; magnetic systems; magnetic nanoparticles; iron oxide nanoparticles; SPIO; theranostics; tissue regeneration; stem cells; soft robotics; biohybrid robotics; micromachines; remote control; drug delivery; microrobots; neuromodulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Research and Educational Institute of Nanostructures and Biosystems, Saratov State University, Astrakhanskaya str. 83, 410012 Saratov, Russia
Interests: drug delivery; controlled release systems; theranostics; nanotechnology for biomedical applications; vaterite particles; nanocomposite structures; polyelectrolyte capsules; hair follicles; magnetic targeting; targeted delivery of photosensitizers; transdermal drug administration for the treatment of skin disorders and for antifungal therapy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past decade, it has become increasingly evident that several diseases bring patient-specific pathological features, which are at the root of the response variability observed upon generic treatments. This has led to the emergence of precision and personalized medicine, in which therapy selection is tailored to each specific individual. To achieve this goal, the treatment can be carried out through various strategies. Tailored nano/microsystems can be obtained via functionalization with antibodies, peptides, or molecules that can recognize specific molecular markers and then be internalized into pathological cells. Systems loaded with both imaging contrast agents and drugs can serve for simultaneous therapy and diagnosis (theranostics). Moreover, certain materials can be engineered to achieve controlled or conditional drug release in situ, or even be externally navigated and delivered to the diseased region. In this regard, magnetic systems stand as extremely potent and versatile tools since they can be easily modified on the surface and thus allow for specific cell targeting and imaging via multiple techniques. In addition, they can destroy target cells via hyperthermic effect, as well as affect the cell behavior (especially that of regenerative cells) and spatially translocate under the guidance of externally applied magnetic forces. This Special Issue aims at collecting the latest advances in the synthesis and application of such magnetic systems, including the preparation and/or functionalization of innovative nano/microsystems, (para)magnetic systems for theranostics, hyperthermic treatment, cell stimulation and guidance, and biomedical micro-robotics.

Dr. Bogdan Parakhonskiy
Dr. Francesca Garello
Dr. Miriam Filippi
Dr. Yulia I. Svenskaya
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pharmaceutics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • magnetic systems
  • paramagnetic systems
  • magnetic targeting
  • magnetic navigation
  • drug delivery
  • controlled drug release
  • iron oxide
  • magnetite
  • hyperthermia
  • tissue regeneration
  • magnetic resonance imaging
  • photoacoustic imaging
  • photodynamic therapy
  • theranostics
  • personalized medicine
  • precision medicine
  • nanosystems
  • microsystems
  • targeted therapy
  • core–shell particles
  • hydrogels
  • cell labeling
  • cell guidance
  • smart materials
  • biomaterials
  • real-time tracking
  • magnetic sensors
  • micromotors
  • in vivo navigation
  • robotics
  • remote control
  • molecular targeting
  • immune therapy
  • anti-inflammatory systems
  • tumor targeting
  • cancer
  • surface modification
  • responsive systems
  • nanorods
  • medical micro-robots

Published Papers (11 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

4 pages, 402 KiB  
Editorial
On the Road to Precision Medicine: Magnetic Systems for Tissue Regeneration, Drug Delivery, Imaging, and Theranostics
by Francesca Garello, Yulia Svenskaya, Bogdan Parakhonskiy and Miriam Filippi
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(7), 1812; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15071812 - 24 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 818
Abstract
Magnetic systems have always been considered as attractive due to their remarkable versatility [...] Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

18 pages, 2908 KiB  
Article
Lectin-Modified Magnetic Nano-PLGA for Photodynamic Therapy In Vivo
by Vera L. Kovalenko, Elena N. Komedchikova, Anna S. Sogomonyan, Ekaterina D. Tereshina, Olga A. Kolesnikova, Aziz B. Mirkasymov, Anna M. Iureva, Andrei V. Zvyagin, Petr I. Nikitin and Victoria O. Shipunova
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(1), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15010092 - 27 Dec 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2830
Abstract
The extreme aggressiveness and lethality of many cancer types appeal to the problem of the development of new-generation treatment strategies based on smart materials with a mechanism of action that differs from standard treatment approaches. The targeted delivery of nanoparticles to specific cancer [...] Read more.
The extreme aggressiveness and lethality of many cancer types appeal to the problem of the development of new-generation treatment strategies based on smart materials with a mechanism of action that differs from standard treatment approaches. The targeted delivery of nanoparticles to specific cancer cell receptors is believed to be such a strategy; however, there are no targeted nano-drugs that have successfully completed clinical trials to date. To meet the challenge, we designed an alternative way to eliminate tumors in vivo. Here, we show for the first time that the targeting of lectin-equipped polymer nanoparticles to the glycosylation profile of cancer cells, followed by photodynamic therapy (PDT), is a promising strategy for the treatment of aggressive tumors. We synthesized polymer nanoparticles loaded with magnetite and a PDT agent, IR775 dye (mPLGA/IR775). The magnetite incorporation into the PLGA particle structure allows for the quantitative tracking of their accumulation in different organs and the performing of magnetic-assisted delivery, while IR775 makes fluorescent in vivo bioimaging as well as light-induced PDT possible, thus realizing the theranostics concept. To equip PLGA nanoparticles with targeting modality, the particles were conjugated with lectins of different origins, and the flow cytometry screening revealed that the most effective candidate for breast cancer cell labeling is ConA, a lectin from Canavalia ensiformis. In vivo experiments showed that after i.v. administration, mPLGA/IR775–ConA nanoparticles efficiently accumulated in the allograft tumors under the external magnetic field; produced a bright fluorescent signal for in vivo bioimaging; and led to 100% tumor growth inhibition after the single session of PDT, even for large solid tumors of more than 200 mm3 in BALB/c mice. The obtained results indicate that the mPLGA/IR775 nanostructure has great potential to become a highly effective oncotheranostic agent. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 4407 KiB  
Article
Novel Salinomycin-Based Paramagnetic Complexes—First Evaluation of Their Potential Theranostic Properties
by Irena Pashkunova-Martic, Rositsa Kukeva, Radostina Stoyanova, Ivayla Pantcheva, Peter Dorkov, Joachim Friske, Michaela Hejl, Michael Jakupec, Mariam Hohagen, Anton Legin, Werner Lubitz, Bernhard K. Keppler, Thomas H. Helbich and Juliana Ivanova
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(11), 2319; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14112319 - 28 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1668
Abstract
Combining therapeutic with diagnostic agents (theranostics) can revolutionize the course of malignant diseases. Chemotherapy, hyperthermia, or radiation are used together with diagnostic methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In contrast to conventional contrast agents (CAs), which only enable non-specific visualization of tissues [...] Read more.
Combining therapeutic with diagnostic agents (theranostics) can revolutionize the course of malignant diseases. Chemotherapy, hyperthermia, or radiation are used together with diagnostic methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In contrast to conventional contrast agents (CAs), which only enable non-specific visualization of tissues and organs, the theranostic probe offers targeted diagnostic imaging and therapy simultaneously. Methods: Novel salinomycin (Sal)-based theranostic probes comprising two different paramagnetic metal ions, gadolinium(III) (Gd(III)) or manganese(II) (Mn(II)), as signal emitting motifs for MRI were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectral analysis (IR), electroparamagnetic resonance (EPR), thermogravimetry (TG) differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). To overcome the water insolubility of the two Sal-complexes, they were loaded into empty bacterial ghosts (BGs) cells as transport devices. The potential of the free and BGs-loaded metal complexes as theranostics was evaluated by in vitro relaxivity measurements in a high-field MR scanner and in cell culture studies. Results: Both the free Sal-complexes (Gd(III) salinomycinate (Sal-Gd(III) and Mn(II) salinomycinate (Sal-Mn(II)) and loaded into BGs demonstrated enhanced cytotoxic efficacy against three human tumor cell lines (A549, SW480, CH1/PA-1) relative to the free salinomycinic acid (Sal-H) and its sodium complex (Sal-Na) applied as controls with IC50 in a submicromolar concentration range. Moreover, Sal-H, Sal-Gd(III), and Sal-Mn(II) were able to induce perturbations in the cell cycle of treated colorectal and breast human cancer cell lines (SW480 and MCF-7, respectively). The relaxivity (r1) values of both complexes as well as of the loaded BGs, were higher or comparable to the relaxivity values of the clinically applied contrast agents gadopentetate dimeglumine and gadoteridol. Conclusion: This research is the first assessment that demonstrates the potential of Gd(III) and Mn(II) complexes of Sal as theranostic agents for MRI. Due to the remarkable selectivity and mode of action of Sal as part of the compounds, they could revolutionize cancer therapy and allow for early diagnosis and monitoring of therapeutic follow-up. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 6317 KiB  
Article
Magnetoresponsive Functionalized Nanocomposite Aggregation Kinetics and Chain Formation at the Targeted Site during Magnetic Targeting
by Sandor I. Bernad, Vlad Socoliuc, Daniela Susan-Resiga, Izabell Crăciunescu, Rodica Turcu, Etelka Tombácz, Ladislau Vékás, Maria C. Ioncica and Elena S. Bernad
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(9), 1923; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14091923 - 12 Sep 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1628
Abstract
Drug therapy for vascular disease has been promoted to inhibit angiogenesis in atherosclerotic plaques and prevent restenosis following surgical intervention. This paper investigates the arterial depositions and distribution of PEG-functionalized magnetic nanocomposite clusters (PEG_MNCs) following local delivery in a stented artery model in [...] Read more.
Drug therapy for vascular disease has been promoted to inhibit angiogenesis in atherosclerotic plaques and prevent restenosis following surgical intervention. This paper investigates the arterial depositions and distribution of PEG-functionalized magnetic nanocomposite clusters (PEG_MNCs) following local delivery in a stented artery model in a uniform magnetic field produced by a regionally positioned external permanent magnet; also, the PEG_MNCs aggregation or chain formation in and around the implanted stent. The central concept is to employ one external permanent magnet system, which produces enough magnetic field to magnetize and guide the magnetic nanoclusters in the stented artery region. At room temperature (25 °C), optical microscopy of the suspension model’s aggregation process was carried out in the external magnetic field. According to the optical microscopy pictures, the PEG_MNC particles form long linear aggregates due to dipolar magnetic interactions when there is an external magnetic field. During magnetic particle targeting, 20 mL of the model suspensions are injected (at a constant flow rate of 39.6 mL/min for the period of 30 s) by the syringe pump in the mean flow (flow velocity is Um = 0.25 m/s, corresponding to the Reynolds number of Re = 232) into the stented artery model. The PEG_MNC clusters are attracted by the magnetic forces (generated by the permanent external magnet) and captured around the stent struts and the bottom artery wall before and inside the implanted stent. The colloidal interaction among the MNC clusters was investigated by calculating the electrostatic repulsion, van der Waals and magnetic dipole-dipole energies. The current work offers essential details about PEG_MNCs aggregation and chain structure development in the presence of an external magnetic field and the process underlying this structure formation. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3742 KiB  
Article
Biodistribution Profile of Magnetic Nanoparticles in Cirrhosis-Associated Hepatocarcinogenesis in Rats by AC Biosusceptometry
by Guilherme A. Soares, Gabriele M. Pereira, Guilherme R. Romualdo, Gabriel G. A. Biasotti, Erick G. Stoppa, Andris F. Bakuzis, Oswaldo Baffa, Luis F. Barbisan and Jose R. A. Miranda
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(9), 1907; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14091907 - 8 Sep 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1961
Abstract
Since magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been used as multifunctional probes to diagnose and treat liver diseases in recent years, this study aimed to assess how the condition of cirrhosis-associated hepatocarcinogenesis alters the biodistribution of hepatic MNPs. Using a real-time image acquisition approach, the [...] Read more.
Since magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been used as multifunctional probes to diagnose and treat liver diseases in recent years, this study aimed to assess how the condition of cirrhosis-associated hepatocarcinogenesis alters the biodistribution of hepatic MNPs. Using a real-time image acquisition approach, the distribution profile of MNPs after intravenous administration was monitored using an AC biosusceptometry (ACB) assay. We assessed the biodistribution profile based on the ACB images obtained through selected regions of interest (ROIs) in the heart and liver position according to the anatomical references previously selected. The signals obtained allowed for the quantification of pharmacokinetic parameters, indicating that the uptake of hepatic MNPs is compromised during liver cirrhosis, since scar tissue reduces blood flow through the liver and slows its processing function. Since liver monocytes/macrophages remained constant during the cirrhotic stage, the increased intrahepatic vascular resistance associated with impaired hepatic sinusoidal circulation was considered the potential reason for the change in the distribution of MNPs. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 2593 KiB  
Article
Laser Synthesized Core-Satellite Fe-Au Nanoparticles for Multimodal In Vivo Imaging and In Vitro Photothermal Therapy
by Olga Yu. Griaznova, Iaroslav B. Belyaev, Anna S. Sogomonyan, Ivan V. Zelepukin, Gleb V. Tikhonowski, Anton A. Popov, Aleksei S. Komlev, Petr I. Nikitin, Dmitry A. Gorin, Andrei V. Kabashin and Sergey M. Deyev
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(5), 994; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14050994 - 5 May 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2909
Abstract
Hybrid multimodal nanoparticles, applicable simultaneously to the noninvasive imaging and therapeutic treatment, are highly demanded for clinical use. Here, Fe-Au core-satellite nanoparticles prepared by the method of pulsed laser ablation in liquids were evaluated as dual magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography [...] Read more.
Hybrid multimodal nanoparticles, applicable simultaneously to the noninvasive imaging and therapeutic treatment, are highly demanded for clinical use. Here, Fe-Au core-satellite nanoparticles prepared by the method of pulsed laser ablation in liquids were evaluated as dual magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) contrast agents and as sensitizers for laser-induced hyperthermia of cancer cells. The biocompatibility of Fe-Au nanoparticles was improved by coating with polyacrylic acid, which provided excellent colloidal stability of nanoparticles with highly negative ζ-potential in water (−38 ± 7 mV) and retained hydrodynamic size (88 ± 20 nm) in a physiological environment. The ferromagnetic iron cores offered great contrast in MRI images with r2 = 11.8 ± 0.8 mM−1 s−1 (at 1 T), while Au satellites showed X-ray attenuation in CT. The intravenous injection of nanoparticles enabled clear tumor border visualization in mice. Plasmonic peak in the Fe-Au hybrids had a tail in the near-infrared region (NIR), allowing them to cause hyperthermia under 808 nm laser exposure. Under NIR irradiation Fe-Au particles provided 24.1 °C/W heating and an IC50 value below 32 µg/mL for three different cancer cell lines. Taken together, these results show that laser synthesized Fe-Au core-satellite nanoparticles are excellent theranostic agents with multimodal imaging and photothermal capabilities. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 2400 KiB  
Article
The Surface Amine Group of Ultrasmall Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Produce Analgesia in the Spinal Cord and Decrease Long-Term Potentiation
by Guan-Ling Lu, Ya-Chi Lin, Ping-Ching Wu and Yen-Chin Liu
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(2), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14020366 - 6 Feb 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2115
Abstract
Our previous studies have revealed the ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide in the amine group USPIO-101 has an analgesic effect on inflammatory pain. Here, we further investigated its effect on the spinal cord and brain via electrophysiological and molecular methods. We used a mouse [...] Read more.
Our previous studies have revealed the ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide in the amine group USPIO-101 has an analgesic effect on inflammatory pain. Here, we further investigated its effect on the spinal cord and brain via electrophysiological and molecular methods. We used a mouse inflammatory pain model, induced by complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA), and measured pain thresholds via von Frey methods. We also investigated the effects of USPIO-101 via an extracellular electrophysiological recording at the spinal dorsal horn synapses and hippocampal Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses, respectively. The mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Our results showed intrathecal USPIO-101 produces similar analgesic behavior in mice with chronic inflammatory pain via intrathecal or intraplantar administration. The potentiated low-frequency stimulation-induced spinal cord long-term potentiation (LTP) at the spinal cord superficial dorsal horn synapses could decrease via USPIO-101 in mice with chronic inflammatory pain. However, the mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase-2 was enhanced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation in microglial cells, and we also found USPIO-101 at 30 µg/mL could decrease the magnitude of hippocampal LTP. These findings revealed that intrathecal USPIO-101 presented an analgesia effect at the spinal cord level, but had neurotoxicity risk at higher doses. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

32 pages, 9003 KiB  
Article
Silica Coating of Ferromagnetic Iron Oxide Magnetic Nanoparticles Significantly Enhances Their Hyperthermia Performances for Efficiently Inducing Cancer Cells Death In Vitro
by Cristian Iacoviță, Ionel Fizeșan, Stefan Nitica, Adrian Florea, Lucian Barbu-Tudoran, Roxana Dudric, Anca Pop, Nicoleta Vedeanu, Ovidiu Crisan, Romulus Tetean, Felicia Loghin and Constantin Mihai Lucaciu
Pharmaceutics 2021, 13(12), 2026; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13122026 - 27 Nov 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2363
Abstract
Increasing the biocompatibility, cellular uptake, and magnetic heating performance of ferromagnetic iron-oxide magnetic nanoparticles (F-MNPs) is clearly required to efficiently induce apoptosis of cancer cells by magnetic hyperthermia (MH). Thus, F-MNPs were coated with silica layers of different thicknesses via a reverse microemulsion [...] Read more.
Increasing the biocompatibility, cellular uptake, and magnetic heating performance of ferromagnetic iron-oxide magnetic nanoparticles (F-MNPs) is clearly required to efficiently induce apoptosis of cancer cells by magnetic hyperthermia (MH). Thus, F-MNPs were coated with silica layers of different thicknesses via a reverse microemulsion method, and their morphological, structural, and magnetic properties were evaluated by multiple techniques. The presence of a SiO2 layer significantly increased the colloidal stability of F-MNPs, which also enhanced their heating performance in water with almost 1000 W/gFe as compared to bare F-MNPs. The silica-coated F-MNPs exhibited biocompatibility of up to 250 μg/cm2 as assessed by Alamar Blues and Neutral Red assays on two cancer cell lines and one normal cell line. The cancer cells were found to internalize a higher quantity of silica-coated F-MNPs, in large endosomes, dispersed in the cytoplasm or inside lysosomes, and hence were more sensitive to in vitro MH treatment compared to the normal ones. Cellular death of more than 50% of the malignant cells was reached starting at a dose of 31.25 μg/cm2 and an amplitude of alternating magnetic field of 30 kA/m at 355 kHz. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

25 pages, 3330 KiB  
Review
Iron-Based Magnetic Nanosystems for Diagnostic Imaging and Drug Delivery: Towards Transformative Biomedical Applications
by Stefan H. Bossmann, Macy M. Payne, Mausam Kalita, Reece M. D. Bristow, Ayda Afshar and Ayomi S. Perera
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(10), 2093; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14102093 - 30 Sep 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2453
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 [...] Read more.
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. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

62 pages, 10643 KiB  
Review
Micro/Nanosystems for Magnetic Targeted Delivery of Bioagents
by Francesca Garello, Yulia Svenskaya, Bogdan Parakhonskiy and Miriam Filippi
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(6), 1132; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14061132 - 26 May 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3532
Abstract
Targeted delivery of pharmaceuticals is promising for efficient disease treatment and reduction in adverse effects. Nano or microstructured magnetic materials with strong magnetic momentum can be noninvasively controlled via magnetic forces within living beings. These magnetic carriers open perspectives in controlling the delivery [...] Read more.
Targeted delivery of pharmaceuticals is promising for efficient disease treatment and reduction in adverse effects. Nano or microstructured magnetic materials with strong magnetic momentum can be noninvasively controlled via magnetic forces within living beings. These magnetic carriers open perspectives in controlling the delivery of different types of bioagents in humans, including small molecules, nucleic acids, and cells. In the present review, we describe different types of magnetic carriers that can serve as drug delivery platforms, and we show different ways to apply them to magnetic targeted delivery of bioagents. We discuss the magnetic guidance of nano/microsystems or labeled cells upon injection into the systemic circulation or in the tissue; we then highlight emergent applications in tissue engineering, and finally, we show how magnetic targeting can integrate with imaging technologies that serve to assist drug delivery. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 3023 KiB  
Review
Magnetic Solid Nanoparticles and Their Counterparts: Recent Advances towards Cancer Theranostics
by Mónica Cerqueira, Efres Belmonte-Reche, Juan Gallo, Fátima Baltazar and Manuel Bañobre-López
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(3), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14030506 - 25 Feb 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3337
Abstract
Cancer is currently a leading cause of death worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates an increase of 60% in the global cancer incidence in the next two decades. The inefficiency of the currently available therapies has prompted an urgent effort to develop new [...] Read more.
Cancer is currently a leading cause of death worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates an increase of 60% in the global cancer incidence in the next two decades. The inefficiency of the currently available therapies has prompted an urgent effort to develop new strategies that enable early diagnosis and improve response to treatment. Nanomedicine formulations can improve the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of conventional therapies and result in optimized cancer treatments. In particular, theranostic formulations aim at addressing the high heterogeneity of tumors and metastases by integrating imaging properties that enable a non-invasive and quantitative assessment of tumor targeting efficiency, drug delivery, and eventually the monitoring of the response to treatment. However, in order to exploit their full potential, the promising results observed in preclinical stages need to achieve clinical translation. Despite the significant number of available functionalization strategies, targeting efficiency is currently one of the major limitations of advanced nanomedicines in the oncology area, highlighting the need for more efficient nanoformulation designs that provide them with selectivity for precise cancer types and tumoral tissue. Under this current need, this review provides an overview of the strategies currently applied in the cancer theranostics field using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), where both nanocarriers have recently entered the clinical trials stage. The integration of these formulations into magnetic solid lipid nanoparticles—with different composition and phenotypic activity—constitutes a new generation of theranostic nanomedicines with great potential for the selective, controlled, and safe delivery of chemotherapy. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop