harsh acidic pH restrict the transduction efficiency. It also offers low immunogenic-

ity, high reproducibility, and effective transduction of non-permissive cells (Gao

et al. 2015; Dadfar et al. 2019).

17.4

Limitations

Despite numerous advantages, translation of this concept of magnetofection in

translational applications has its own limitations. Firstly, in a living system, the

efficiency of gene delivery is dependent on the route of administration, accessibility

of target site, and the size of the animal (increase in targeted area would require

stronger magnetic field). Moreover, too small particle size (less than 50 nm) renders

it unsuitable for magnetic targeting, and big particle size (more than 5 μm) may

impede the absorption of magnetic NPs from systemic circulation. Similarly, the

regions with slow blood flow rate also affect the transfection efficacy, for example,

in human aorta where the blood flow rate is 20 cm/s, effective transfection is a

challenge. The external magnetic flux density and gradient decrease at a distance

from the magnetic pole, which also affect the transfection efficacy. The

shortcomings of this delivery system can be overcome by modifying NP

formulations and generating novel magnetic field skills suitable for the relevant

study. Another suggestive approach is to improvise the use of powerful magnetic

bioprobes to retain a high magnetic field for efficient targeting and designing unique

bioprobes for efficient drug uptake. We believe that the major challenge in magnetic

drug delivery is the delivery of the magnetofectin into the deep organs. The recent

strategy of magnetic or magnetizable implants looks promising but requires a further

investigation and in vivo validation before being translated into clinical setting.

Currently, efforts from biophysicists and engineers are being made to push this field

forward to real-life applications. Regardless, magnetofection still remains the most

sought localized gene delivery tool which can be adapted as per different experi-

mental needs and therapeutic potentials.

17.5

Summary

In conclusion, magnetofection is a novel drug delivery technique with lots of

pharmaceutical potential for effective drug delivery. Hopefully, future innovative

work in this area will advance this field for designing of novel magnetic probes for

the noninvasive targeted drug delivery of biomolecules in the human body to have

efficient and targeted effect with less side effects in treating a specific ailment.

Acknowledgments This work was supported by the National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive

and Kidney Diseases Grant RO1DK035385 to Dr Satish Rattan. Figures used in this book chapter

were created using BioRender.com platform.

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