Magnetic Drug Delivery in Therapeutics

Aggarwal et al., IJPSR, 2012; Vol. 3(12): 4670-4680

IJPSR (2012), Vol. 3, Issue 12

ISSN: 0975-8232 (Review Article)

Received on 30 August, 2012; received in revised form 10 October, 2012; accepted 24 November, 2012

MAGNETIC DRUG DELIVERY IN THERAPEUTICS Akanksha Aggarwal*, Prateek Chhajer and Sahil Maheshwari Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (DIPSAR), University of Delhi, New Delhi, India ABSTRACT

Keywords: Magnetic Drug Delivery, Drug Targeting, Magnetic Microspheres, Tumour, Magnetic Bioseparation, Delivery strategies Correspondence to Author: Akanksha Aggarwal Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (DIPSAR), University of Delhi, New Delhi, India E-mail: akanksha_200947@yahoo.com

Magnetic modulated drug delivery system addresses the major problem of initial biodistribution of drug carrier. It involves the use of particulate carriers to a localized diseased site. Magnetic microspheres can be used for sitespecific drug targeting as in case of tumors, magnetic bioseparation and also can be used for non-targeted drug delivery as in case of contrast agents (MRI) and drug reservoirs that can be activated by a magnet of suitable strength applied outside the body. This delivery system has the distinct advantage of locally congregating high concentrations of the drug at the diseased site thereby minimizing drug requirement and side effects. Though it is expensive and requires high technical approach, it can be adapted to any part of the body. Various magnetic microspheres developed include magnetic nanoparticles, magnetically resealed erythrocytes and magnetic liposomes. Stereotaxis Inc. and FeRx Inc., are major commercial developers of magnetic guidance system for the medical industry. Reticuloendothelial organs resist extravasations of drug carriers above 3-5 nm in molecular diameter. Other problems associated with in-vivo drug targeting i.e. the initial bio-distribution of drug carrier & bioengineering problems that...