ABSTRACT
Magnetic particles are useful for many biomedical applications including contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetically controlled drug delivery, magnetically directed energy delivery and hyperthermia, and magnetic gene transfection. A critical consideration for all these applications is how the required therapeutic dose compares with the dose needed to elicit adverse effects. Another consideration is the ultimate fate and potential unintended consequences of the nanoparticles after the intervention is completed. This chapter provides an introduction to toxicology, discusses the potential adverse effects of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) on mammalian systems, examines the potential unintended consequences of MNPs on the environment, and provides some perspective on future research needs.
