Recent advances in magnetic electrospun nanofibers for cancer theranostics application

Cancer theranostics is a recent concept that aims to combine in the same device diagnostic and therapeutic features. Magnetic nanoparticles (mNPs) are commonly used as a critical part of these systems due to their ability to respond to an external magnetic field. Consequently, mNPs can generate heat when an alternating magnetic field is applied and enhance image contrast in magnetic resonance. However, direct administration of mNPs intravenously or directly in the tumor can lead to undesired side effects because of mNP elimination by macrophages or leakage to healthy tissues. Therefore, mNPs can be retained in a polymeric nanofibrous mesh, thus preventing misplacing or loss of mNPs. Furthermore, these magnetic nanofibers can be directly implanted in the tumor site, thus ensuring high mNPs loading and higher magnetic response. In addition, polymeric nanofibers produced by electrospinning are frequently used to maintain a sustained drug release in the tumor site. Therefore, a magnetic polymeric nanofiber produced by electrospinning is an ideal nanosystem for cancer theranostics application. This review summarizes the most recent developments of magnetic nanofibers produced by electrospinning for cancer theranostics applications.