Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) are available since many years and some of them are already approved for human use. New applications are currently emerging and the field is moving from the use of SPION as simply contrast agents, to more complex structures optimized in terms of core, size, shape and coating for different imaging modalities (e.g. MRI vs MPI), and different theranostic applications. Prof. Krishnan M. Kannan has greatly contributed to our understanding of the role of each of these parameters in shaping SPIO best function. Some of these developments are discussed in this short review just as examples. More recently, new cell-based SPIO constructs have also been optimized, moving the field from engineering the nanoparticles to the generation of hybrids cell-nanoparticle constructs. These developments have requested additional SPIO optimizations to maintain nanoparticles biocompatibility and properties and, at the same time, prevent cell damage and maintain cell functionality. Related examples from our lab are also discussed.

超顺磁性氧化铁纳米粒子 (SPION) 已经问世多年，其中一些已经被批准用于人类使用。目前正在出现新的应用，该领域正在从使用 SPION 作为简单的造影剂转向更复杂的结构，针对不同的成像模式（例如 MRI 与 MPI）和不同的治疗诊断应用在核心、尺寸、形状和涂层方面进行优化. Krishnan M. Kannan 教授为我们理解每个参数在塑造 SPIO 最佳功能中的作用做出了巨大贡献。在这篇简短的评论中，其中一些发展只是作为例子进行了讨论。最近，新的基于细胞的 SPIO 结构也得到了优化，使该领域从纳米粒子工程转移到细胞-纳米粒子混合结构的生成。这些发展要求额外的 SPIO 优化以保持纳米粒子的生物相容性和特性，同时防止细胞损伤并维持细胞功能。还讨论了我们实验室的相关示例。