Review of engineered magnetic chitosan nanoparticles for drug delivery: Advances, challenges, and future prospects

Magnetic chitosan nanoparticles represent a promising platform in targeted drug delivery by merging the biocompatibility and mucoadhesiveness of chitosan with the superparamagnetic iron-oxide cores magnetite (Fe₃O₄) or maghemite (γ-Fe₂O₃). This synergy enables enhanced therapeutic precision through external magnetic guidance, controlled release, and stimuli-responsive behavior. MCNPs are particularly valuable in oncology, allowing site-specific drug delivery, magnetic hyperthermia, and real-time imaging via MRI. Their versatility extends to neurological, antimicrobial, and gene/protein delivery applications. Despite significant progress in synthesis techniques and surface functionalization with ligands and responsive coatings, challenges such as scalability, long-term biocompatibility, and regulatory hurdles persist. This review highlights recent advancements, addresses current limitations, and outlines future directions for clinical translation. With continued innovation, Magnetic chitosan nanoparticles have the potential to revolutionize personalized and precision medicine by offering integrated diagnostic and therapeutic (theranostic) capabilities across a broad spectrum of diseases.