Surface-engineered multimodal magnetic nanoparticles to manage CNS diseases

Advanced central nervous system (CNS) therapies exhibited high efficacy but complete treatment of CNS diseases remains challenging owing to limited delivery of therapeutic agents to the brain. Multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles are investigated not only for site-specific drug delivery but also for theranostic applications aiming for an effective CNS therapy. Recently, surface engineering of magnetic nanoparticles was recognized as a crucial area of research to achieve precise therapy and imaging at molecular and cellular levels. This review reports state-of-the-art advancement in the development of surface-engineered magnetic nanoparticles targeting CNS diagnostics and therapies. The challenges and future prospects of magnetic theranostics are also discussed by considering the translation from bench to bedside. Successful translation of magnetic theranostics to the clinical setting will enable precise and efficient diagnostics and therapy to manage CNS diseases.