Synthesis, Surface Coating and Thermal Applications of SPIONS

The versatile functions Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) have increased the interest of their application in biomedicine. More specifically, the thermal properties SPIONs exhibit in the presence of alternating magnetic fields are of particular interest in cancer therapy where they display potential for hyperthermia treatment. Here we discuss the appropriate SPION synthesis and coating for surface functionalization allowing tissue targeting. Furthermore, the process of SPION induced hyperthermia, their advantages and disadvantages for medical application and degradation are addressed. The unique properties of SPIONs give rise to the potential of enhanced cancer therapy which highlight the importance of further research in this field.