2020). A study carried out using magnetic albumin microspheres with entrapped

doxorubicin in the rat model for tumors has proved that magnetofection has

potentials to deliver to a relatively narrow area of tumor preventing drug leaching

into other organ systems (Laurent et al. 2011; Titze de Almeida et al. 2018).

17.3.2.1 Lungs

Iron oxide NPs could be used in inhalers for magnetic delivery into the lungs under

the influence of an externally applied magnet. Price et al. observed targeted delivery

of

nano-in-microparticles

(NIMs)

containing

superparamagnetic

iron

oxide

nanoparticles (SPIONs) and doxorubicin (DOX) in the lung with an external magnet

(Price et al. 2017). They showed that when mice were administered fluorescently

labeled NIMs as a dry powder through endotracheal mode in the presence of an

external magnet placed over one lung, DOX-loaded NIMs were therapeutically

efficient, thus allowing for the targeted delivery (Price et al. 2017; Price et al. 2018).

17.3.2.2 Eye

Of late the use of magnetic NPs in ophthalmology has gained massive interest by

clinical trials because of its easy accessibility and immunosuppressive barrier (within

the vitreous and aqueous humors), thus facilitating the use of noninvasive maneuvers

for the therapeutic uses. Applications of iodate and gene therapy remain the most

promising approach against acute macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.

Adeno Associated Virus (AAV) is one of the most promising gene augmentation

tools for the treatment of ocular diseases and magnetic NPs offer an added

Fig. 17.4 Principle of in vivo drug delivery via magnetofection. Drug-loaded magnetic

nanoparticles are injected at the site of tumor or disease, and magnet is placed over the site of

injection. This facilitates localized delivery of drug and prevents its leaching into systemic

circulation

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