Folate-Targeted PEGylated Magnetoliposomes for Hyperthermia-Mediated Controlled Release of Doxorubicin

Magnetoliposomes for nanomedicine: synthesis, characterization, and applications in drug, gene, and peptide delivery

INTRODUCTION

Magnetoliposomes represent a transformative advancement in nanomedicine by integrating magnetic nanoparticles with liposomal structures, creating multifunctional delivery platforms that overcome key limitations of conventional drug carriers. These hybrid systems enable precision targeting through external magnetic fields, controlled release via magnetic hyperthermia, and real-time theranostic capabilities, offering unprecedented spatiotemporal control over therapeutic administration.

AREAS COVERED

This manuscript focused primarily on studies from 2023-2025 however, a few select older references were included to provide background and context.This review examines the fundamental design principles of Magnetoliposomes, including bilayer composition, nanoparticle integration strategies, and physicochemical properties governing their biological performance. We comprehensively assess synthesis methodologies - from traditional thin-film hydration to advanced microfluidic approaches - highlighting their impact on colloidal stability, drug encapsulation, and scaling potential. Characterization techniques essential for quality control and regulatory approval are systematically reviewed, followed by applications across oncology, gene delivery, neurology, and infectious disease treatment, supported by recent experimental evidence.

EXPERT OPINION

While magnetoliposomes show remarkable therapeutic versatility, their clinical translation requires addressing biocompatibility concerns, manufacturing scalability, and regulatory hurdles. Integration with artificial intelligence, organ-on-chip technologies, and personalized medicine approaches will likely accelerate their development toward clinical reality, potentially revolutionizing treatment paradigms for complex diseases through tailored therapeutic interventions.

Unlocking the in vivo therapeutic potential of radiation-activated photodynamic therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer with lymph node involvement

BACKGROUND

Rectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The recurrence of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), particularly in cases involving lymph node-positive tumours, remains a critical challenge in rectal cancer management. In this study, a therapeutic strategy, radiation-activated photodynamic therapy (RA-PDT), for the treatment of LARC with lymph node-positive tumours was developed and evaluated.

METHODS

RA-PDT was achieved by using a lipid-polymer hybrid nanoplatform loaded with verteporfin (VP) and functionalised with folic acid (FA) as a targeting molecule. Upon receiving a single 4 Gy fraction of radiation, VP was effectively activated, generating sufficient reactive oxygen species (ROS) to induce cancer cell death-however surrounding tissue was less affected and was spared. The efficacy of this strategy was assessed through in vitro cytotoxicity studies in HCT116 cells, as well as in orthotopic and subcutaneous mouse models. In vivo lymph node tumour progression was also evaluated.

FINDINGS

RA-PDT effectively generated ROS following 4 Gy irradiation and exhibited significant cytotoxicity in HCT116 cells. In vivo, this strategy largely inhibited primary tumour growth in both orthotopic and subcutaneous mouse models while also suppressing lymph node tumour progression. Surrounding tissues were minimally affected, highlighting the precision and safety of this approach.

INTERPRETATION

RA-PDT demonstrates potential as a safe therapeutic strategy for LARC, paving the way for its clinical translation.

FUNDING

This study was supported by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (GNT1181889), fellowship award (2019/CDF1013) from Cancer Institute NSW, Australia, the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale Biophotonics (CE140100003), UNSW SHARP funding, project grant from National Foundation for Medical Research and Innovation, Australia, International Research Training Program Scholarship (IRTP) from Australian Government, PhD Research Scholar Award from Sydney Vital Translational Cancer Research, and Translational Cancer Research Network PhD Scholarship Top-up award.

Polymer-Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles for Targeted Quercetin Delivery: A Potential Strategy for Colon Cancer Treatment

Background/Objectives: Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems improve pharmacokinetic aspects, including controlled release and drug targeting, increasing therapeutic efficacy, and reducing toxicity in conventional colon cancer treatment. The superparamagnetism of magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) appears to be a potential alternative for magnetothermal therapy, inducing tumor cell death by an external magnetic field. Therefore, this study aimed to develop chitosan (CS) and folate-chitosan (FA-CS)-coated MNP to improve the stability and targeting of the system for quercetin (Q) delivery. Methods: After FA-CS synthesis and 32 factorial design, polymer-functionalized MNPs were produced for quercetin loading, characterized, and evaluated by drug dissolution and cytotoxicity assay. Results: The factorial design indicated the positive influence of CS on MNPs' Zeta potential, followed by the CS-temperature interaction. Optimized formulations had hydrodynamic diameters of 122.32 ± 8.56 nm, Zeta potentials of +30.78 ± 0.8 mV, and loading efficiencies of 80.45% (MNP-CS-Q) and 54.4% (MNP-FA-CS-Q). The 24 h drug release was controlled in MNP-CS-Q (up to 6.4%) and MNP-FA-CS-Q (up to 7.7%) in a simulated tumor medium, with Fickian diffusion release mechanism correlated to the Korsmeyer-Peppas model (R > 0.99). The cytotoxicity assay in HCT-116 showed a higher (p < 0.001) dose-dependent antitumor effect of quercetin-loaded MNP compared to free drug, with IC50s of 1.46 (MNP-CS) and 1.30 µg·mL-1 (MNP-FA-CS). Conclusions: Therefore, this study contributes to the development of biomedical nanotechnology and the magnetic debate by highlighting the antitumor potential of quercetin magnetic nanoparticles. The experimental design allows the discussion of critical manufacturing variables and the determination of optimal parameters for the formulations.

Near Infrared Biomimetic Hybrid Magnetic Nanocarrier for MRI-Guided Thermal Therapy

Cell-membrane hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) are designed to improve drug delivery, thermal therapy, and immunotherapy for several diseases. Here, we report the development of distinct biomimetic magnetic nanocarriers containing magnetic nanoparticles encapsulated in vesicles and IR780 near-infrared dyes incorporated in the membranes. Distinct cell membranes are investigated, red blood cell (RBC), melanoma (B16F10), and glioblastoma (GL261). Hybrid nanocarriers containing synthetic lipids and a cell membrane are designed. The biomedical applications of several systems are compared. The inorganic nanoparticle consisted of Mn-ferrite nanoparticles with a core diameter of 15 ± 4 nm. TEM images show many multicore nanostructures (∼40 nm), which correlate with the hydrodynamic size. Ultrahigh transverse relaxivity values are reported for the magnetic NPs, 746 mM-1s-1, decreasing respectively to 445 mM-1s-1 and 278 mM-1s-1 for the B16F10 and GL261 hybrid vesicles. The ratio of relaxivities r2/r1 decreased with the higher encapsulation of NPs and increased for the biomimetic liposomes. Therapeutic temperatures are achieved by both, magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia and photothermal therapy. Photothermal conversion efficiency ∼25-30% are reported. Cell culture revealed lower wrapping times for the biomimetic vesicles. In vivo experiments with distinct routes of nanoparticle administration were investigated. Intratumoral injection proved the nanoparticle-mediated PTT efficiency. MRI and near-infrared images showed that the nanoparticles accumulate in the tumor after intravenous or intraperitoneal administration. Both routes benefit from MRI-guided PTT and demonstrate the multimodal theranostic applications for cancer therapy.

Advancing personalized medicine: Integrating statistical algorithms with omics and nano-omics for enhanced diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy

Medical laboratory services enable precise measurement of thousands of biomolecules and have become an inseparable part of high-quality healthcare services, exerting a profound influence on global health outcomes. The integration of omics technologies into laboratory medicine has transformed healthcare, enabling personalized treatments and interventions based on individuals' distinct genetic and metabolic profiles. Interpreting laboratory data relies on reliable reference values. Presently, population-derived references are used for individuals, risking misinterpretation due to population heterogeneity, and leading to medical errors. Thus, personalized references are crucial for precise interpretation of individual laboratory results, and the interpretation of omics data should be based on individualized reference values. We reviewed recent advancements in personalized laboratory medicine, focusing on personalized omics, and discussed strategies for implementing personalized statistical approaches in omics technologies to improve global health and concluded that personalized statistical algorithms for interpretation of omics data have great potential to enhance global health. Finally, we demonstrated that the convergence of nanotechnology and omics sciences is transforming personalized laboratory medicine by providing unparalleled diagnostic precision and innovative therapeutic strategies.

An alternative hybrid lipid nanosystem combining cytotoxic and magnetic properties as a tool to potentiate antitumor effect of 5-fluorouracil

AIMS

Colorectal cancer is the third most frequent type of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The majority of cases are diagnosed at a later stage, leading to the need for more aggressive treatments such as chemotherapy. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), known for its high cytotoxic properties has emerged as a chemotherapeutic agent. However, it presents several drawbacks such as lack of specificity and short half-life. To reduce these drawbacks, several strategies have been designed namely chemical modification or association to drug delivery systems.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Current research was focused on the design, physicochemical characterization and in vitro evaluation of a lipid-based system loaded with 5-FU. Furthermore, aiming to maximize preferential targeting and release at tumour sites, a hybrid lipid-based system, combining both therapeutic and magnetic properties was developed and validated. For this purpose, liposomes co-loaded with 5-FU and iron oxide (II, III) nanoparticles were accomplished.

KEY FINDINGS

The characterization of the developed nanoformulation was performed in terms of incorporation parameters, mean size and surface charge. In vitro studies assessed in a murine colon cancer cell line confirmed that 5-FU antiproliferative activity was preserved after incorporation in liposomes. In same model, iron oxide (II, III) nanoparticles did not exhibit cytotoxic properties. Additionally, the presence of these nanoparticles was shown to confer magnetic properties to the liposomes, allowing them to respond to external magnetic fields.

SIGNIFICANCE

Overall, a lipid nanosystem loading a chemotherapeutic agent displaying magnetic characteristics was successfully designed and physicochemically characterized, for further in vivo applications.

Hyaluronic acid-functionalized graphene-based nanohybrids for targeted breast cancer chemo-photothermal therapy

Nanomaterials' application in cancer therapy has been driven by their ability to encapsulate chemotherapeutic drugs as well as to reach the tumor site. Nevertheless, nanomedicines' translation has been limited due to their lack of specificity towards cancer cells. Although the nanomaterials' surface can be coated with targeting ligands, such has been mostly achieved through non-covalent functionalization strategies that are prone to premature detachment. Notwithstanding, cancer cells often establish resistance mechanisms that impair the effect of the loaded drugs. This bottleneck may be addressed by using near-infrared (NIR)-light responsive nanomaterials. The NIR-light triggered hyperthermic effect generated by these nanomaterials can cause irreversible damage to cancer cells or sensitize them to chemotherapeutics' action. Herein, a novel covalently functionalized targeted NIR-absorbing nanomaterial for cancer chemo-photothermal therapy was developed. For such, dopamine-reduced graphene oxide nanomaterials were covalently bonded with hyaluronic acid, and then loaded with doxorubicin (DOX/HA-DOPA-rGO). The produced nanomaterials showed suitable physicochemical properties, high encapsulation efficiency, and photothermal capacity. The in vitro studies revealed that the nanomaterials are cytocompatible and that display an improved uptake by the CD44-overexpressing breast cancer cells. Importantly, the combination of DOX/HA-DOPA-rGO with NIR light reduced breast cancer cells' viability to just 23 %, showcasing their potential chemo-photothermal therapy.

Lipid-hybrid cell-derived biomimetic functional materials: A state-of-the-art multifunctional weapon against tumors

Tumors are among the leading causes of death worldwide. Cell-derived biomimetic functional materials have shown great promise in the treatment of tumors. These materials are derived from cell membranes, extracellular vesicles and bacterial outer membrane vesicles and may evade immune recognition, improve drug targeting and activate antitumor immunity. However, their use is limited owing to their low drug-loading capacity and complex preparation methods. Liposomes are artificial bionic membranes that have high drug-loading capacity and can be prepared and modified easily. Although they can overcome the disadvantages of cell-derived biomimetic functional materials, they lack natural active targeting ability. Lipids can be hybridized with cell membranes, extracellular vesicles or bacterial outer membrane vesicles to form lipid-hybrid cell-derived biomimetic functional materials. These materials negate the disadvantages of both liposomes and cell-derived components and represent a promising delivery platform in the treatment of tumors. This review focuses on the design strategies, applications and mechanisms of action of lipid-hybrid cell-derived biomimetic functional materials and summarizes the prospects of their further development and the challenges associated with it.

Pre-clinical safety of topically administered sunitinib-loaded lipid and polymeric nanocarriers targeting corneal neovascularization

Three different types of sunitinib-loaded (SUN-loaded) nanocarriers were compared, aiming at the topical treatment of corneal neovascularization (CNV): polymeric nanospheres (NS), liposomes (LIP), and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN). Three out of eleven formulations prepared for an optimization study - the best SUN-loaded nanocarrier of each assessed type (NS, LIP, and SLN) - were selected, based on their size, polydispersity index (PdI), drug load (DL), and encapsulation efficiency (EE). These three optimal formulations were further characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, and zeta potential. In vitro SUN release profiles were obtained for the optimal formulations, along with ex vivo corneal permeability/retention studies, and ocular tolerance assays, namely: the bovine corneal opacity and permeability (BCOP) assay, the HET-CAM test (hen's egg test - chorioallantoic membrane), and hemolytic potential (HP) assay. None of the optimal formulations exhibited toxicity or potential for ocular irritation. SLN showed higher surface fluidity, drug release more suitable for topical ocular applications, besides greater SUN corneal retention. Our results suggest that SLN are the best CNV-targeting SUN-loaded nanocarriers for clinical translation when compared to their NS and LIP analogues.

Paclitaxel-Loaded Lipid-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles for Dual Chemo-Magnetic Hyperthermia Therapy of Melanoma

Melanoma is the most aggressive and metastasis-prone form of skin cancer. Conventional therapies include chemotherapeutic agents, either as small molecules or carried by FDA-approved nanostructures. However, systemic toxicity and side effects still remain as major drawbacks. With the advancement of nanomedicine, new delivery strategies emerge at a regular pace, aiming to overcome these challenges. Stimulus-responsive drug delivery systems might considerably reduce systemic toxicity and side-effects by limiting drug release to the affected area. Herein, we report the development of paclitaxel-loaded lipid-coated manganese ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (PTX-LMNP) as magnetosomes synthetic analogs, envisaging the combined chemo-magnetic hyperthermia treatment of melanoma. PTX-LMNP physicochemical properties were verified, including their shape, size, crystallinity, FTIR spectrum, magnetization profile, and temperature profile under magnetic hyperthermia (MHT). Their diffusion in porcine ear skin (a model for human skin) was investigated after intradermal administration via fluorescence microscopy. Cumulative PTX release kinetics under different temperatures, either preceded or not by MHT, were assessed. Intrinsic cytotoxicity against B16F10 cells was determined via neutral red uptake assay after 48 h of incubation (long-term assay), as well as B16F10 cells viability after 1 h of incubation (short-term assay), followed by MHT. PTX-LMNP-mediated MHT triggers PTX release, allowing its thermal-modulated local delivery to diseased sites, within short timeframes. Moreover, half-maximal PTX inhibitory concentration (IC50) could be significantly reduced relatively to free PTX (142,500×) and Taxol® (340×). Therefore, the dual chemo-MHT therapy mediated by intratumorally injected PTX-LMNP stands out as a promising alternative to efficiently deliver PTX to melanoma cells, consequently reducing systemic side effects commonly associated with conventional chemotherapies.

Photothermal Properties of IR-780-Based Nanoparticles Depend on Nanocarrier Design: A Comparative Study on Synthetic Liposomes and Cell Membrane and Hybrid Biomimetic Vesicles

Biomimetic nanoparticles hold great promise for photonic-mediated nanomedicine due to the association of the biological functionality of the membrane with the physical/chemical goals of organic/inorganic structures, but studies involving fluorescent biomimetic vesicles are still scarce. The purpose of this article is to determine how photothermal therapy (PTT) with theranostic IR-780-based nanoparticles depends on the dye content, cholesterol content, lipid bilayer phase and cell membrane type. The photophysical responses of synthetic liposomes, cell membrane vesicles and hybrid nanoparticles are compared. The samples were characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis, photoluminescence, electron spin resonance, and photothermal- and heat-mediated drug release experiments, among other techniques. The photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) was determined using Roper's method. All samples excited at 804 nm showed three fluorescence bands, two of them independent of the IR-780 content. Samples with a fluorescence band at around 850 nm showed photobleaching (PBL). Quenching was higher in cell membrane vesicles, while cholesterol inhibited quenching in synthetic liposomes with low dye content. PTT depended on the cell membrane and was more efficient for melanoma than erythrocyte vesicles. Synthetic liposomes containing cholesterol and a high amount of IR-780 presented superior performance in PTT experiments, with a 2.4-fold PCE increase in comparison with free IR-780, no PBL and the ability to heat-trigger doxorubicin release.

Enhanced tumor penetration for efficient chemotherapy by a magnetothermally sensitive micelle combined with magnetic targeting and magnetic hyperthermia

The high accumulation and poor penetration of nanocarriers in tumor is a contradiction of nanomedicine, which reduces the efficacy of chemotherapy. Due to the positive effect of hyperthermia on in vivo drug diffusion, we designed a magnetothermally sensitive micelle (MTM) by integrating magnetic targeting (MT), magnetic hyperthermia (MH), and magnetothermally responsive drug release to facilitate simultaneous drug accumulation and penetration in tumor. Accordingly, we synthesized a cyanine7-modified thermosensitive polymer with phase transition at 42.3°C, and utilized it to prepare drug-loaded MTMs by encapsulating superparamagnetic MnFe2O4 nanoparticles and doxorubicin (DOX). The obtained DOX–MTM had not only high contents of DOX (9.1%) and MnFe2O4 (38.7%), but also some advantages such as superparamagnetism, high saturation magnetization, excellent magnetocaloric effect, and magnetothermal-dependent drug release. Therefore, DOX–MTM improved in vitro DOX cytotoxicity by enhancing DOX endocytosis under the assistance of MH. Furthermore, MT and MH enhanced in vivo DOX–MTM accumulation and DOX penetration in tumor, respectively, substantially inhibiting tumor growth (84%) with excellent biosafety. These results indicate the development of an optimized drug delivery system with MH and MH-dependent drug release, introducing a feasible strategy to enhance the application of nanomedicines in tumor chemotherapy.

Doxorubicin Loaded Thermosensitive Magneto-Liposomes Obtained by a Gel Hydration Technique: Characterization and In Vitro Magneto-Chemotherapeutic Effect Assessment

The combination of magnetic hyperthermia with chemotherapy is considered a promising strategy in cancer therapy due to the synergy between the high temperatures and the chemotherapeutic effects, which can be further developed for targeted and remote-controlled drug release. In this paper we report a simple, rapid, and reproducible method for the preparation of thermosensitive magnetoliposomes (TsMLs) loaded with doxorubicin (DOX), consisting of a lipidic gel formation from a previously obtained water-in-oil microemulsion with fine aqueous droplets containing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) dispersed in an organic solution of thermosensitive lipids (transition temperature of ~43 °C), followed by the gel hydration with an aqueous solution of DOX. The obtained thermosensitive magnetoliposomes (TsMLs) were around 300 nm in diameter and exhibited 40% DOX incorporation efficiency. The most suitable MNPs to incorporate into the liposomal aqueous lumen were Zn ferrites, with a very low coercive field at 300 K (7 kA/m) close to the superparamagnetic regime, exhibiting a maximum absorption rate (SAR) of 1130 W/gFe when dispersed in water and 635 W/gFe when confined inside TsMLs. No toxicity of Zn ferrite MNPs or of TsMLs was noticed against the A459 cancer cell line after 48 h incubation over the tested concentration range. The passive release of DOX from the TsMLs after 48h incubation induced a toxicity starting with a dosage level of 62.5 ug/cm². Below this threshold, the subsequent exposure to an alternating magnetic field (20-30 kA/m, 355 kHz) for 30 min drastically reduced the viability of the A459 cells due to the release of incorporated DOX. Our results strongly suggest that TsMLs represent a viable strategy for anticancer therapies using the magnetic field-controlled release of DOX.

The Therapeutic Potential of Chemo/Thermotherapy with Magnetoliposomes for Cancer Treatment

Cancer represents a very grave and quickly growing public health problem worldwide. Despite the breakthroughs in treatment and early detection of the disease, an increase is projected in the incidence rate and mortality during the next 30 years. Thus, it is important to develop new treatment strategies and diagnostic tools. One alternative is magnetic hyperthermia, a therapeutic approach that has shown promising results, both as monotherapy and in combination with chemo- and radiotherapy. However, there are still certain limitations and questions with respect to the safety of the systemic administration of magnetic nanoparticles. To deal with these issues, magnetoliposomes were conceived as a new generation of liposomes that incorporate superparamagnetic nanoparticles and oncological pharmaceuticals within their structure. They have the advantage of targeted and selective drug delivery to the diseased organs and tissues. Some of them can avoid the immune response of the host. When exposed to a magnetic field of alternating current, magnetoliposomes produce hyperthermia, which acts synergistically with the released drug. The aim of the present review is to describe the most recent advances in the use of magnetoliposomes and point out what research remains to be done for their application to chemo-thermal therapy in cancer patients.

Amentoflavone-loaded nanoparticles enhanced chemotherapy efficacy by inhibition of AKR1B10

Therapeutic nanoparticles can be combined with different anticancer drugs to achieve a synergistic therapy and avoid the limitations of traditional medicine and thus have clinical prospects for cancer. Herein, an effective nanoplatform was developed for self-assembling AMF@DOX-Fe³⁺-PEG nanoparticles (ADPF NPs) via the coordination of ferric ions (Fe³⁺), amentoflavone (AMF), doxorubicin (DOX), and PEG-polyphenol. The ADPF NPs possessed high drug loading efficiency, good stability and dispersion in water, prolonged blood circulation, and pH-dependent release, which leading to targeted drug transport and enhanced drug accumulation in the tumor. The AMF from the ADPF NPs could inhibit the expression of the Aldo-keto reductase family 1B10 (AKR1B10) and nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65), which reduced the cardiotoxicity induced by DOX and enhanced the chemotherapy efficacy. This study established a new strategy of combining drug therapy with a nanoplatform. This new strategy has a wide application prospect in clinical tumor therapy.