Year: 2011
Type: book-chapter
Abstract: Nanoparticles and nanotechnology have been increasingly used in the field of cancer research, especially for the development of novel approaches for cancer detection and treatment (Majumdar, Peng et al. 2010;Davis, Chen et al. 2008).Magnetic iron oxide (IO, i.e.Fe 3 O 4 , -Fe 2 O 3 ) nanoparticles (NPs) are particularly attractive for the development of biomarker-targeted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, drug delivery and novel therapeutic approaches, such as magnetic nanoparticle-enhanced hyperthermia.Given the unique pharmacokinetics of nanoparticles and their large surface areas to conjugate targeting ligands and load therapeutic agents, biodegradable IO nanoparticles have many advantages in targeted delivery of therapeutic and imaging agents.IO nanoparticles possess unique magnetic properties with strong shortening effects on transverse relaxation times, i.e., T 2 and T* 2 , as well as longitudinal relaxation time, i.e., T 1 , at very low concentrations, resulting in contrast enhancement in MRI.Together with their biocompatibility and low toxicity, IO nanoparticles have been widely investigated for developing novel and biomarker-specific agents that can be applied for oncologic imaging with MRI.In addition, the detectable changes in MRI signals produced by drug-loaded IO nanoparticles provide the imaging capabilities of tracking drug delivery, estimating tissue drug levels and monitoring therapeutic response in vivo.With recent progress in nanosynthesis, bioengineering and imaging technology, IO nanoparticles are expected to serve as a novel platform that enables new approaches to targeted tumor imaging and therapy.In this chapter, we will review several aspects of magnetic nanoparticles, specifically IO nanoparticles, which are important to the development and applications of tumor-targeted imaging and therapy.An overview of general approaches for the preparation of targeted IO nanoparticles, including common synthesis methods, coating methodologies, selection of biological targeting ligands, and subsequent bioconjugation techniques, will be provided.Recent progress in the development of IO nanoparticles for tumor imaging and anti-cancer drug delivery, as well as the outstanding challenges to these approaches, will be discussed.
Source: InTech eBooks
DOI: 10.5772/22873
Authors: Xianghong Peng, Hongwei Chen, Jing Huang, Hui Mao, Dong M.
Institutions: Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4237458823