Abstract
Recent advances in nanomaterials science contributed to develop new micro- and nano-devices as potential diagnostic and therapeutic tools in the field of oncology. The synthesis of superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SPMNPs) has been intensively studied, and the use of these particles in magnetic hyperthermia therapy has demonstrated successes in treatment of cancer. However, some physical limitations have been found to impact the heating efficiency required to kill cancer cells. Moreover, the bio-safety of NPs remains largely unexplored. The primary goals of this review are to summarize the recent progress in the development of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for hyperthermia, and discuss the limitations and advances in the synthesis of these particles. Based on this knowledge, new perspectives on development of new biocompatible and biofunctional nanomaterials for magnetic hyperthermia are discussed.
Highlights
According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer is currently the second leading cause of death in the United States, exceeded only by heart disease as the number one killer
The interest in magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is due to their unique magnetic properties; they exhibit diagnostic tool, drug carrier and heat generator for therapy in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), so-called ‘theranostic’ and their small sizes, which allow the particles to reach most biological tissues
The safety issues of these particles have not been completely solved because it is difficult to compare the cytotoxicity data since the toxic effects of NPs are influenced by many parameters (Auffan et al 2006)
Summary
According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer is currently the second leading cause of death in the United States, exceeded only by heart disease as the number one killer. The generation of heat by the exposition of MNPs to a non-invasive alternating magnetic field (AMF) can be used to destroy tumor tissue, given that heat promotes cell apoptosis through irreversible physiological changes (Prasad et al 2007). This approach is known as magnetic hyperthermia. Soft and hard magnets become aligned to the direction of the magnetic field, so the domain walls disappear and the magnetization becomes saturated, the so-called saturation magnetization (Ms) (Fig. 1). In the absence of an external magnetic field, ferromagnetic material does not show any magnetization due to the random orientation of the magnetizations in magnetic domains (Point a, Fig. 1).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
