Progress in cancer therapy with functionalized Fe₃O₄ nanomaterials

Abstract

Malignant neoplasms represent a significant global health threat. To address the need for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, research is underway to develop therapeutic nanoplatforms. Iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs), specifically Fe₃O₄ NPs have been extensively studied as potential therapeutic agents for cancer due to their unique properties including magnetic targeting, favorable biocompatibility, high magnetic response sensitivity, prolonged in vivo circulation time, stable performance, and high self-metabolism. Their ability to be integrated with magnetic hyperthermia, photodynamic therapy, and photothermal therapy has resulted in the widespread use of Fe₃O₄ NPs in cancer diagnosis and treatment, making them a popular choice for such applications. Various methods can be employed to synthesize magnetic Fe₃O₄ NPs, which can then be surface-modified with biocompatible materials or active targeting molecules. Multifunctional systems can be created by combining Fe₃O₄ NPs with polymers. By combining various therapeutic approaches, more effective biomedical materials can be developed. This paper discusses the synthesis of Fe₃O₄ NPs and the latest research advances in Fe₃O₄-based nanotherapeutic platforms, as well as their applications in the biomedical field.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Fe ₃O ₄ NPs / cancer treatment / magnetic targeting / magnetic thermotherapy

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