Abstract
The combination of diagnostics and therapy (theranostic) is one of the most complex, yet promising strategies envisioned for nanoengineered multifunctional systems in nanomedicine. From the various multimodal nanosystems proposed, a number of works have established the potential of Graphene-based Magnetic Nanoparticles (GbMNPs) as theranostic platforms. This magnetic nanosystem combines the excellent magnetic performance of magnetic nanoparticles with the unique properties of graphene-based materials, such as large surface area for functionalization, high charge carrier mobility and high chemical and thermal stability. This hybrid nanosystems aims toward a synergistic theranostic effect. Here, we focus on the most recent developments in GbMNPs for theranostic applications. Particular attention is given to the synergistic effect of these composites, as well as to the limitations and possible future directions towards a potential clinical application.
Highlights
At the nanoscale (1–100 nm) materials exhibit unique size dependent properties which are not achievable in bulk materials [1,2,3]
The first Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), approved by the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) for clinical application, date from 1996, and consisted in the use of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles to serve as negative contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to enhance tumor detection in the liver [9,10]
Graphene-based Magnetic Nanoparticles (GbMNPs) can be categorized into two basic configurations (Figure 1A): (a) graphenebased materials encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles (GbEMNPs) and (b) graphene-based materials decorated with magnetic nanoparticles (GbDMNPs) [23]
Summary
At the nanoscale (1–100 nm) materials exhibit unique size dependent properties which are not achievable in bulk materials [1,2,3]. Thereby, GbMNPs are hybrid combinations of these two materials conjugated in various configurations [21] This promising nanosystem can collate the advantages and unique properties of each nanomaterial separately, namely high magnetic saturation and superparamagnetism from the magnetic nanoparticles and the high thermal and electronic conductivity, high charge carrier mobility and improved biocompatibility of the graphene-based material [17,19,22]. It allows the combination of multiple theranostic functionalities into a single platform. We will discuss the synergistic improvement of these hybrid nanosystems, their current limitations, biocompatibility and cytotoxicity and future directions for their clinical application
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