Advances in multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles

Abstract

Multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles have emerged as one of the important futuristic material for variety of applications starting from data storage, security/sensors to biomedical applications. The application of multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles in biological organisms has fashioned noteworthy advances in research, diagnosis and therapy of various diseases. The multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles, capable of theragnosis, drug delivery and monitoring of therapeutic response, are expected to play a significant role in the emergence of the era of personalized medicine with much of research efforts devoted toward that goal. The present review recapitulates the development of state-of-the-art multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles and the foremost applications of these multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles in magnetic targeting, drug delivery, separation, and contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging, hyperthermia and sensors. The biocompatibility requirements and functionalization approach for multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles used in these applications are also reviewed. Copyright © 2011 VBRI press.