Iron oxide based magnetic nanoparticles for hyperthermia, MRI and drug delivery applications: a review

Abstract

Iron-oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have garnered substantial attention in both research and technological domains due to their exceptional chemical and physical properties. These nanoparticles have mitigated the adverse effects of conventional treatment procedures by facilitating advanced theranostic approaches in integration with biomedicine. These IONPs have been extensively utilized in MRI (as contrast agents in diagnosis), drug delivery (as drug carriers), and hyperthermia (treatment), demonstrating promising results with potential for further enhancement. This study elucidates the operational principles of these NPs during diagnosis, drug delivery, and treatment, and emphasizes their precision and efficacy in transporting therapeutic agents to targeted sites without drug loss. It also analyses various challenges associated with the application of these IONPs in this field, such as biocompatibility, agglomeration, and toxicity. Furthermore, diverse strategies have been delineated to address these challenges. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the applications of IONPs in the field of biomedicine and treatment, along with the associated challenges. It offers significant assistance to researchers, professionals, and clinicians in the field of biomedicine.