Self-assembled magnetic nanomaterials: Versatile theranostics nanoplatforms for cancer

Abstract

Self-assembled magnetic nanomaterials (MNMs) are a class of promising biomaterials possessing excellent physiochemical and biological characteristics, making them highly attractive in biomedical applications. A myriad of magnetic nanosystems can be created by using self-assembly as a synthetic tool. Favorable nano-bio interfacial properties are shown in these promising self-assembled magnetic nanosystems, while still retaining their physical/chemical functionalities. This review aims to provide a systematical overview of the self-assembled MNMs. In addition, this review highlights their implementations in cancer theranostics in detail. Overall, this review points out the direction for the application of self-assembled MNMs in biomedicine, and presents how clinical oncology could benefit from the self-assembled nanotechnology.