Magnetic nanovectors for drug delivery

Abstract Nanotechnology holds the promise of novel and more effective treatments for vexing human health issues. Among these are the use of nanoparticle platforms for site-specific delivery of therapeutics to tumors, both by passive and active mechanisms; the latter includes magnetic vectoring of ma...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nanomedicine 2012-09, Vol.8, p.S37-S50
Main Authors: Klostergaard, Jim, Seeney, Charles E
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Antineoplastic Agents - administration & dosage
Cancer
Cobalt - chemistry
Cobalt - toxicity
Cobalt and Iron
Drug delivery
Drug Delivery Systems - methods
Humans
Internal Medicine
Iron - chemistry
Iron - toxicity
Magnetic field gradients
Magnetic nanovectors
Magnetically responsive nanoparticles
Magnetics - methods
Magnets - chemistry
Magnets - toxicity
Nanomedicine
Nanomedicine - methods
Nanoparticles - chemistry
Nanoparticles - toxicity
Neoplasms - drug therapy
Nickel
Nickel - chemistry
Nickel - toxicity
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Summary:Abstract Nanotechnology holds the promise of novel and more effective treatments for vexing human health issues. Among these are the use of nanoparticle platforms for site-specific delivery of therapeutics to tumors, both by passive and active mechanisms; the latter includes magnetic vectoring of magnetically responsive nanoparticles (MNP) that are functionalized to carry a drug payload that is released at the tumor. The conceptual basis, which actually dates back a number of decades, resides in physical (magnetic) enhancement, with magnetic field gradients aligned non-parallel to the direction of flow in the tumor vasculature, of existing passive mechanisms for extravasation and accumulation of MNP in the tumor interstitial fluid, followed by MNP internalization. In this review, we will assess the most recent developments and current status of this approach, considering MNP that are composed of one or more of the three elements that are ferromagnetic at physiological temperature: nickel, cobalt and iron. The effects on cellular functions in vitro, the ability to successfully vector the platform in vivo, the anti-tumor effects of such localized nano-vectors, and any associated toxicities for these MNP will be presented. The merits and shortcomings of nanomaterials made of each of the three elements will be highlighted, and a roadmap for moving this long-established approach forward to clinical evaluation will be put forth.
ISSN:1549-9634
1549-9642
DOI:10.1016/j.nano.2012.05.010