Chapter 9 – Drug Delivery

Iron oxide nanoparticles have been approved for many biomedical applications, because of their ultrafine size, biocompatibility, and superparamagnetic properties. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), in conjunction with external magnetic fields, enable particles to be delivered to the desired target site and keep them at the site during drug release to act locally. Therefore, this combination decreases the medication dosage and minimizes the drug's systemic effect. The potential for SPION applications has grown substantially in recent years. Following new advancements, these nanoparticles have been extensively used as delivery systems for drugs, genes, and radionuclides in clinical medicine. Here, we discuss the role of iron oxide nanoparticles in drug delivery and passive and active drug targeting systems.