Multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles for targeted imaging and therapy.
Magnetic nanoparticles have become important tools for the imaging of prevalent diseases, such as cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and others. While first generation nanoparticles were fairly nonspecific, newer generations have been targeted to specific cell types and molecular targets via affinity ligands. Commonly, these ligands emerge from phage or small molecule screens, or are based on antibodies or aptamers. Secondary reporters and combined therapeutic molecules have further opened potential clinical applications of these materials. This review summarizes some of the recent biomedical applications of these newer magnetic nanomaterials.
Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th St., Rm 5406, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
Jason R
JR
McCarthy
Ralph
R
Weissleder
D000818:Animals; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008280:Magnetics; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D005290:Ferric Compounds; C000499:ferric oxide