Magnetic nanoparticles based nanocontainers for biomedical application

The extensive interest in magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) has been increasing owing to their biocompatibility, superparamagnetism, tuneable sizes and shape, high chemical stability, lower toxicity, high specific surface area, enhanced programmed cell death, and options for functionalization. The functionalized or ligand conjugated MNPs act as a multifunctional and noninvasive vehicle in targeted drug delivery and diagnosis applications. The magnetic properties of these nanostructures allow the control of the location and orientation of MNPs by varying the direction of the applied external magnetic field. Here, we primarily discuss the significant magnetic properties of MNPs and then review their recent biomedical applications in the cancer therapy and theranostics with certain in vitro, preclinical, and clinical experiments. The diverse bio-applications of MNPs based nanocontainers include drug delivery, magnetic hyperthermia, magnetic bioseparation, and various interesting imaging modalities. In addition, the surface stabilization and the functionalization necessities of the MNPs are reviewed.