Challenges and Future Prospects of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles  (SPIONs) in Nanomedicine: A Focus on Toxicity, Imaging, and Theranostics

Maryam  Alvandi; Sahar  Nosrati; Ramin  Mansouri; Zahra  Shaghaghi; Shahnaz  Saednia; Sara  Alipour; Farzad  Fathi

doi:10.18502/ajmb.v17i4.20070

Maryam Alvandi Cardiovascular Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
Sahar Nosrati Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology, Dorodna 16 Str, 03-195, Warsaw, Poland
Ramin Mansouri Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
Zahra Shaghaghi Cancer Research Center, Institute of Cancer, Avicenna Health Research Institute, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
Shahnaz Saednia Farabi Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Sara Alipour Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
Farzad Fathi Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ajmb.v17i4.20070

Keywords: Molecular imaging, PET/MRI, Radiolabeling, Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, Toxicity

Abstract

Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) have emerged as a pivotal tool in nanomedicine, offering potential in drug delivery, imaging, and targeted therapies. However, their application is challenged by issues such as cytotoxicity, uneven biodistribution, and biocompatibility. SPIONs are predominantly cleared through renal or hepatobiliary pathways, with size and charge playing critical roles in determining their fate. While smaller SPIONs optimize renal clearance, their propensity to agglomerate and activate macrophages may induce inflammatory responses. Radiolabeled SPIONs face additional challenges in molecular imaging and nuclear medicine. Emerging strategies, such as chelator-free radiolabeling and multi-component nanoparticles, aim to address these limitations by improving targeting specificity and enhancing biocompatibility. Looking forward, SPIONs hold immense potential in theranostics, particularly in integrating imaging with targeted drug delivery and therapies. Advances in synthesis and surface functionalization may enhance their safety and effectiveness. Future research should focus on optimizing SPIONs, integrating them with therapeutic agents, and improving targeting and clearance mechanisms. Collaboration among experts and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) modeling could accelerate their development for personalized treatment applications. This review uniquely highlights recent advances in radiolabeled SPIONs for molecular imaging and targeted therapy, addressing challenges like biocompatibility, stability, and translational applicability.