Magnetoliposomes: recent advances in the field of controlled drug delivery

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Magnetoliposomes have gained increasing attention as delivery systems, as they surpass many limitations associated with liposomes. The combination with magnetic nanoparticles provides a means for development of multimodal and multifunctional theranostic agents that enable on-demand drug release and real-time monitoring of therapy.

Areas covered

Recently, several magnetoliposome structures have been reported to ensure efficient transport and delivery of therapeutics, while improving magnetic properties. Besides, novel techniques have been introduced to improve on-demand release, as well as to achieve sequential release of different therapeutic agents. This review presents the major types and methods of preparation of magnetoliposomes, and discusses recent strategies in the trigger of drug release, development of theranostic formulations, and delivery of drugs and biological entities.

Expert opinion

Despite significant advances in efficient drug delivery, current literature lacks an assessment of formulations as theranostic agents and complementary techniques to optimize thermotherapy efficiency. Plasmonic magnetoliposomes are highly promising multimodal and multifunctional systems, providing the required design versatility to optimize theranostic capabilities. Further, photodynamic therapy and delivery of proteins/genes can be improved with a deeper research on the employed magnetic material and associated toxicity. A scale-up procedure is also lacking in recent research, which is limiting their translation to clinical use.

KEYWORDS:

• Magnetic nanoparticles
• liposomes
• magnetoliposomes
• magnetic hyperthermia
• photothermia
• drug delivery
• theranostics
• cancer therapy

Article highlights

• Magnetoliposomes combine liposomes and magnetic nanoparticles in a single nanosystem.

• The main nanoarchitectures and fabrication methods are introduced.

• Advances in thermotherapy and drug delivery are reviewed.

• The use of magnetoliposomes as systems for theranostics is discussed.

• The use of magnetoliposomes in PDT further enhances the advantages of this therapy.

• Magnetoliposomes enable controlled drug release and efficient transport of genes and proteins.

This box summarizes key points contained in the article.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Funding of CF-UM-UP (UIDB/04650/2020). S. R. S. Veloso acknowledges FCT for a PhD grant (SFRH/BD/144017/2019).