Article ID: 2016010
Magnetic nanoparticles provide a unique nanosystem for various smart therapy applications because of their biocompatibility, their nanostructures which can be prepared controllably to match with the interest of study and, specifically, their responses to an external magnetic field. Interests in utilizing magnetic nanoparticles for biomedical treatments originate from their external controllability of transportation and movement inside biological objects and magnetic heat generation which provide tremendous advantages for targeted drug delivery and controlled drug release as well as magnetic hyperthermia. Recent progress in synthesis and functionalization has led to the formation of various functional magnetic nanoparticles with controlled magnetic properties based on controlling their particle size, shape and composition. In this review, we focus on the synthesis, protection and functionalization of iron oxide-based magnetic nanoparticles in order to control magnetic properties of nanostructured systems. We also highlight the recent advances in the development of multifunctional therapeutic nanosystems combining magnetic nanoparticles and drugs as well as their superior efficacy in biomedical treatments with smart performance by including therapy and modulated drug delivery and release through magnetic heating.
