Magnetic-fluid-loaded liposomes for MR imaging and therapy of cancer

Magnetic particles based on iron oxides play an increasing role in the targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics mainly due to their intrinsic efficacy as contrast agents for in vivo magnetic resonance imaging. Over the past decade, special attention has been paid to hybrid devices formed through the association of nanoscale magnetic grains with colloidal carriers in order to produce multifunctional systems suitable for systemic administration. In this field liposomes rank among the most promising hosts to preserve high local concentrations of the grains and are useful for efficient magnetic targeting while being able to transport native drugs and complementary molecular imaging probes. They can be moreover long-circulating in blood through hydrophilic polymer coating and easily bio-conjugated for specific targeting of tissues or cells. The sum of works reported here focuses on the fabrication process and physical characteristics of magnetic-fluid-loaded liposomes and advances in their applications for the diagnosis and therapy of cancer.