Iron-Based Nanoparticles as Delivery Tools

Authors

• Keykavous Parang, Chapman UniversityFollow
• Rajesh Vadlapatla, Marshall B. Ketchum University
• Ajoy Koomer, Marshall B. Ketchum University
• Victoria Moran, Marshall B. Ketchum University
• Lanie Jackson, Marshall B. Ketchum University
• Amir Nasrolahi Shirazi, Marshall B. Ketchum UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-21-2026

Abstract

Iron-based nanoparticles, particularly iron oxide nanostructures (IONPs), have emerged as versatile and clinically relevant platforms for drug delivery and theranostic applications. Among these, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), including magnetite (Fe₃O₄) and maghemite (γ-Fe₂O₃), are the most extensively investigated due to their biocompatibility, magnetic responsiveness, and established safety profiles. Their unique superparamagnetic behavior enables external magnetic-field-guided targeting, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast enhancement, and magnetically triggered hyperthermia, enabling simultaneous diagnosis and therapy. Surface functionalization with polymers, silica, lipids, peptides, and biomolecules further improves colloidal stability, circulation time, targeting specificity, and controlled drug release. Core–shell architectures and multifunctional hybrid systems have expanded the therapeutic scope of iron nanoparticles, integrating chemotherapy, gene delivery, photothermal therapy, and Fenton reaction–mediated catalytic therapy. Despite promising preclinical outcomes, challenges remain regarding long-term biosafety, oxidative stress induction, biodistribution, large-scale reproducibility, and regulatory translation. This review summarizes the physicochemical properties, synthesis strategies, surface-engineering approaches, drug-loading mechanisms, and biomedical applications of iron-based nanoparticles, highlighting recent advances in multifunctional and peptide-functionalized systems. Critical considerations for clinical translation and future perspectives in precision nanomedicine are also discussed.

Comments

This article was originally published in Pharmaceuticals, volume 19, issue 5, in 2026. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19050654

Recommended Citation

Parang, K.; Vadlapatla, R.; Koomer, A.; Moran, V.; Jackson, L.; Shirazi, A.N. Iron-Based Nanoparticles as Delivery Tools. Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19, 654. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19050654

Copyright

The authors

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.