Main description:

This brief offers a comprehensive discussion of magnetic targeted drug delivery of silica-coated nanodevices. Focusing on the latest trend in pharmaceutical applications of these nanodevices, a multidisciplinary overview is displayed, from synthesis and design to pharmacokenetics, biodistribution and toxicology.

Chapters include design of silica-coated magnetic nanodevices; techniques for drug loading with features applicable to biological systems; synthesis, characterization and the assessment of biomedical issues with both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Applications in the treatment of different localized diseases are also addressed in order to present the potential use of these nanosystems as global, commercially available therapeutics.

Contents:

1. Introduction

1.1. Magnetic nanoparticles for biomedical applications: special emphasis as targeted drug systems.

1.2. Solid silica as platform for drug loading and transport

2. Chemical overview

2.1. Synthesis of solid silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles for drug targeting

2.2. Drug loading and release for specific diseases

2.3. Characterization techniques and drug quantification

3. Biological features

3.1. Pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of magnetic silica nanoparticles

3.2. Metabolism and elimination of magnetic component and silica coating

4. Toxicological insights

4.1. Biocompatibility of solid silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles: an overview on specific components and on magnetic systems.

4.2. In vitro and in vivo toxicology studies.

5. Overview on applications for the treatment of specific diseases

6. New insights on silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles: improving the performance of drug loading and release.