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Gadolinium Nanoparticles: Emerging Platforms Beyond Imaging for Drug Delivery and Theranostics
Amir Nasrolahi Shirazi1, Rajesh Vadlapatla1, Ajoy Koomer1
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Marshall B. Ketchum University, 2575 Yorba Linda Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92831, USA.
Pharmaceutics
|March 28, 2026
Summary
Gadolinium nanoparticles (GdNPs) show promise as multifunctional theranostic agents for drug delivery and imaging. Despite preclinical success, clinical translation faces challenges in scale-up, safety, and regulation.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Gadolinium nanoparticles (GdNPs) are evolving beyond MRI contrast agents.
- They offer enhanced stability, reduced toxicity, and versatile surface modification compared to gadolinium chelates.
- GdNPs possess unique magnetic properties and tunable physicochemical characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the applications of GdNPs in drug delivery and theranostics.
- To discuss the physicochemical and magnetic properties of GdNPs.
- To explore ligand engineering for targeted delivery and biological mechanisms of theranostic performance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of GdNP applications and properties.
- Analysis of GdNP functionalization for targeted delivery.
- Examination of theranostic mechanisms including radiosensitization and magnetic delivery.
Main Results:
- GdNPs exhibit potential as drug carriers and theranostic agents.
- Functionalized GdNPs demonstrate synergistic effects with chemotherapeutics like doxorubicin.
- GdNPs show efficacy in various imaging modalities and therapeutic interventions.
Conclusions:
- GdNPs hold significant potential for advanced drug delivery and theranostic applications.
- Further research is needed to overcome scale-up, safety, and regulatory hurdles for clinical translation.
- Ligand engineering and understanding biological mechanisms are key for optimizing GdNP theranostics.
