The role of tumor model in magnetic targeting of magnetosomes and ultramagnetic liposomes

The combined passive and active targeting of tumoral tissue remains an active and relevant cancer research field. Here, we exploit the properties of two highly magnetic nanomaterials, magnetosomes and ultramagnetic liposomes, in order to magnetically target prostate adenocarcinoma tumors, implanted orthotopically or subcutaneously, to take into account the role of tumor vascularization in the targeting efficiency. Analysis of organ biodistribution in vivo revealed that, for all conditions, both nanomaterials accumulate mostly in the liver and spleen, with an overall low tumor retention. However, both nanomaterials were more readily identified in orthotopic tumors, reflecting their higher tumor vascularization. Additionally, a 2- and 3-fold increase in nanomaterial accumulation was achieved with magnetic targeting. In summary, ultramagnetic nanomaterials show promise mostly in the targeting of highly-vascularized orthotopic murine tumor models.