Brain targeting of payload using mild magnetic field: Site specific delivery

This chapter reviews applications of magnetic nanoparticles in brain-targeting and diagnostic applications. Previously, nanoparticles have delivered drugs in blood circulation in a controlled manner and relied upon their predisposition to penetrate the bloodâ€"brain barrier. However, in order to increase the delivery efficiency and pharmacological effect, we need to design a better strategy. Herein, we show that externally applied magnetic fields can be used to target certain superparamagnetic particles to various organs. Various physical methods (UVâ€"Vis, TEM, dynamic light scattering, fluorescence, thermogravimetric analysis, FTIR, etc.) have been utilized to thoroughly characterize this hybrid nanoparticle formulation. Furthermore, the magnetic properties showcased by these particles are harnessed for the diagnosis of cancer and other disease treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging, with new modalities, is of immense help to physicians and researchers in identifying the tumor sites and demarcating the form of normal cells and blood vasculature. Recently, the therapeutic load carried by the efficiency of magnetic nanoparticles and the diagnostic nature of the same have been married to coin the term “theranosticsâ€?; it is gaining an increased momentum in the cancer field.