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Fe3O4SPIONs in cancer theranostics-structure versus interactions with proteins and methods of their investigation
Jacek Sikorski1, Magdalena Matczuk1, Marta Stępień1
1Chair of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego St. 3, 00-664 Warsaw, Poland.
Abstract:
As the second leading cause of death worldwide, neoplastic diseases are one of the biggest challenges for public health care. Contemporary medicine seeks potential tools for fighting cancer within nanomedicine, as various nanomaterials can be used for both diagnostics and therapies. Among those of particular interest are superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), due to their unique magnetic properties,. However, while the number of new SPIONs, suitably modified and functionalized, designed for medical purposes, has been gradually increasing, it has not yet been translated into the number of approved clinical solutions. The presented review covers various issues related to SPIONs of potential theranostic applications. It refers to structural considerations (the nanoparticle core, most often used modifications and functionalizations) and the ways of characterizing newly designed nanoparticles. The discussion about the phenomenon of protein corona formation leads to the conclusion that the scarcity of proper tools to investigate the interactions between SPIONs and human serum proteins is the reason for difficulties in introducing them into clinical applications. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding the mechanism behind the protein corona formation, as it has a crucial impact on the effectiveness of designed SPIONs in the physiological environment.
Insights
Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) show promise for cancer theranostics. Understanding protein corona formation is crucial for their clinical application, as current research lacks tools to investigate SPION-protein interactions.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Biomaterials Science
- Oncology
Background:
- Neoplastic diseases represent a major global health challenge, driving the search for advanced cancer diagnostics and therapies.
- Nanomedicine offers innovative solutions, with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) emerging as key candidates due to their unique magnetic properties.
- Despite growing development, the clinical translation of SPIONs for theranostic applications remains limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structural considerations, characterization methods, and theranostic potential of SPIONs.
- To explore the critical role of protein corona formation in SPION behavior within physiological environments.
- To identify barriers hindering the clinical application of SPIONs and suggest future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on SPIONs for theranostic applications.
- Analysis of structural modifications and functionalization strategies for SPIONs.
- Discussion of nanoparticle characterization techniques relevant to biomedical applications.
- Examination of the protein corona phenomenon and its impact on SPIONs in biological systems.
Main Results:
- SPIONs possess versatile structural attributes and functionalization possibilities for targeted cancer therapy and diagnostics.
- The formation of a protein corona on SPIONs significantly influences their biological interactions and efficacy.
- A critical gap exists in the availability of tools to adequately study SPION-protein interactions in biological fluids.
Conclusions:
- Overcoming challenges in understanding and characterizing the protein corona is essential for advancing SPIONs towards clinical approval.
- Further development of analytical tools is required to elucidate SPION-protein interactions and predict in vivo behavior.
- Effective translation of SPIONs into clinical practice hinges on a comprehensive understanding of their behavior in the complex physiological environment.
