title: Biological applications of magnetic nanoparticles.
abstract: In this review an overview about biological applications of magnetic colloidal nanoparticles will be given, which comprises their synthesis, characterization, and in vitro and in vivo applications. The potential future role of magnetic nanoparticles compared to other functional nanoparticles will be discussed by highlighting the possibility of integration with other nanostructures and with existing biotechnology as well as by pointing out the specific properties of magnetic colloids. Current limitations in the fabrication process and issues related with the outcome of the particles in the body will be also pointed out in order to address the remaining challenges for an extended application of magnetic nanoparticles in medicine.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Miriam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Colombo
authors.forename: Susana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Carregal-Romero
authors.forename: Maria F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Casula
authors.forename: Lucía
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gutiérrez
authors.forename: María P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Morales
authors.forename: Ingrid B
authors.initials: IB
authors.lastname: Böhm
authors.forename: Johannes T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Heverhagen
authors.forename: Davide
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Prosperi
authors.forename: Wolfgang J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Parak
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D015374:Biosensing Techniques; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000737:chemistry; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry; D052203:Ferrosoferric Oxide / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000633:toxicity; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D004337:Drug Carriers; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles; D011506:Proteins; D004247:DNA; D052203:Ferrosoferric Oxide