Iron-based magnetic nanomaterials have emerged as candidates in biomedicine due to their unique physicochemical properties. Beyond their established role as clinical MRI contrast agents, they have shown potential in drug delivery, magnetic hyperthermia, and the treatment of iron deficiency.
Macrophages are also primary targets for these nanomaterials in vivo. The biological effects of iron-based nanomaterials are closely linked to the plasticity and phenotypic shifts of macrophages. However, the underlying mechanisms by which these materials influence macrophage-mediated immune regulation remain unclear. A deeper understanding of these interactions is essential for advancing their clinical applications.
A recent review by a research group from Nanjing published in the KeAi journal Magnetic Medicine provides a detailed overview of the latest advances in the interactions between iron-based magnetic nanomaterials and macrophages.
The review systematically discusses the processes of uptake by the mononuclear phagocyte system, as well as the in vivo distribution and biodegradation of these nanomaterials. It highlights that the biodistribution and metabolic fate of iron-based nanoparticles are influenced by multiple factors, including particle size, surface charge, and route of administration.
The review focuses on the physiological processes underlying macrophage reprogramming induced by iron-based magnetic nanomaterials, highlighting their roles in mimicking enzymatic activity, modulating intracellular iron metabolism, regulating cell signaling pathways, influencing mitochondrial energy metabolism, and responding to magnetic fields.
The authors found that some iron-based magnetic nanomaterials exhibit environment-dependent enzyme-like activities, and when these nanomaterials are digested, they release significant amounts of free iron ions, which increase ROS levels and activate multiple cellular pathways, including NF-κB, MAPK, STAT, and NLRP3 pathways, thus promoting macrophage inflammatory or anti-inflammatory immune responses
“Additionally, iron-based magnetic nanomaterials are involved in cellular iron cycling and iron-ion-mediated processes, such as the ETC and glycolysis, both of which are crucial for cellular function,” explains lead author Yubo Huang. “Under the influence of a magnetic field, these nanomaterials amplify both the beneficial and harmful biological effects on cells.”
By leveraging these mechanisms, iron-based magnetic nanomaterials have great potential for use in disease diagnosis and treatment.
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Contact author details: Yubo Huang, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Devices, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China. 230249053@seu.edu.cn .
Magnetic Medicine
Literature review
Not applicable
The metabolic fate of iron-based magnetic nanomaterials and their impact on macrophage function
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.