Abstract
The recent, fast development of nanotechnology is reflected in the medical sciences. Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) are an excellent example. Thanks to their superparamagnetic properties, SPIONs have found application in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and magnetic hyperthermia. Unlike bulk iron, SPIONs do not have remnant magnetization in the absence of the external magnetic field; therefore, a precise remote control over their action is possible. This makes them also useful as a component of the advanced drug delivery systems. Due to their easy synthesis, biocompatibility, multifunctionality, and possibility of further surface modification with various chemical agents, SPIONs could support many fields of medicine. SPIONs have also some disadvantages, such as their high uptake by macrophages. Nevertheless, based on the ongoing studies, they seem to be very promising in oncological therapy (especially in the brain, breast, prostate, and pancreatic tumors). The main goal of our paper is, therefore, to present the basic properties of SPIONs, to discuss their current role in medicine, and to review their applications in order to inspire future developments of new, improved SPION systems.
Highlights
An idea that the primordial cause of the majority of known diseases is located at the molecular level stimulates a rising interest in applying nanotechnology to explore further this possibility
It was an inspiration for making in vivo studies on the effectiveness in targeting the pancreatic carcinoma cells in mouse xenografts by Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) coupled with anti-mesothelin antibodies [25]
Their influence on T2-weighted imaging (T2 is transverse relaxation time ) (and T1-weighted (T1 is longitudinal relaxation time)when in appropriately prepared conditions) and their ability to increase the general resolution of the image, accompanied by their potential of multidirectional modifications resulting in minimized toxicity and the ability to cross the BBB, suggest that SPIONs might become a new-generation contrast agent for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), as well as a fruitful source of inspiration for future inventions in this area
Summary
An idea that the primordial cause of the majority of known diseases is located at the molecular level stimulates a rising interest in applying nanotechnology to explore further this possibility. Despite the fact that basic rules and ideas regarding SPIONs seem to be simple, an appropriate understanding and introducing them into clinical practice require a more detailed insight Both the molecular structure of SPIONs and the conditions inside a human body have to be considered. SPIONs to be simple, anofappropriate understanding and introducing them into the last few years,seem the understanding all the complex relations mentioned above increased clinical practice require the a more detailed insight Both theThe molecular structure of SPIONs andisthe significantly, improving clinical efficiency of SPIONs. main goal of the present review to conditions inside a human body have to be considered. Iron oxide core in SPION on its critical properties, such as cellular uptake or total clearance, is binding antibodies (1), acting as a MRI contrast agent (2), magnetic hyperthermia (3), and drug remarkable. Their limitations and side effects, as well as possible ways to prevent them, will be presented
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