Biomimetic Magnetic Nanocarriers for Cancer Therapy

Biomimetic nanocarriers, also named cell-membrane coated nanoparticles, are promising multifunctional materials for cancer therapy. The nanostructures are designed to improve drug delivery, thermal and immunotherapy. It combines the property of the nanoparticle core with the cell membrane, enhancing blood circulation, cancer targeting and immune stimulation. Here we report the development of distinct biomimetic magnetic nanocarriers containing Mn-ferrite nanoparticles encapsulated into the vesicles and IR-780 near-infrared dyes incorporated in the membranes. The biomedical applications of several systems are compared with a focus on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic hyperthermia and photothermal therapy (PTT) applications. Non-invasive MRI thermometry data during PTT is also reported, indicating a great potential of biomimetic magnetic nanocarriers for cancer therapy.