Magnetic nanoparticles for gene and drug delivery

Abstract

Stuart C McBain, Humphrey HP Yiu, Jon DobsonInstitute of Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Thornburrow Drive, Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 7QB, U.K.Abstract: Investigations of magnetic micro- and nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery began over 30 years ago. Since that time, major progress has been made in particle design and synthesis techniques, however, very few clinical trials have taken place. Here we review advances in magnetic nanoparticle design, in vitro and animal experiments with magnetic nanoparticle-based drug and gene delivery, and clinical trials of drug targeting.Keywords: magnetic nanoparticles, gene delivery, biotechnology