ABSTRACT
Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have ascended as a potential tool for various applications in biomedicine. A magnetic material for such an application is required to be nanosized, superparamagnetic and biocompatible; all these requisites have been well discussed and explained. Also, their essential features such as size, shape, possibility of surface functionalization, magnetically powered, nontoxicity and injectability have been discussed. The need for coating their surfaces has also been elucidated, which is required for reducing agglomeration and escaping the defensive system of the body. This further prolongs their blood circulation times and enables them to perform the desired action at the desired site. The various researches conducted on magnetic materials, as magnetite- and ferrite-based nanoparticles, have been described. Active targeting using folic acid conjugation is done on the coated magnetic nanoparticles. Overexpression of folate receptors on tumor cells’ surfaces makes targeting efficiency better and precise. Lastly, various challenges associated with magnetic nanoparticles such as the nanoparticle–biomolecule interface, drug loading, drug-release properties, crossing the blood–brain barrier, etc., which can inhibit their desired role, need to be effectively addressed for their efficient and proper action.
