MAGNETIC MICROCOMPOSITES AS VECTORS FOR BIOACTIVE AGENTS - THE STATE-OF-ART

The paper gives a survey of the research domains where ferromagnetic p articles: attached to bioactive chemical agents, are used as vectors f or the delivery of the active species on predetermined sites, via the blood system. The following fields are discussed: biologic species mol ecular recognition and separation: antigenic agents (medical diagnosti c), flavor and perfumes molecules. - targeted ''drug delivery'' by use of bio-ferrofluids guided in veins by an exterior magnetic flux sourc e (cancer chemotherapy, critical rheumatismal inflammations, local pai n release etc.), This part also concerns the specific site delivery of radioactive beta emitters for ''internal radiotherapy''. - Specific s ite delivery of magnetic bodies for radio frequency induced hypertherm ia of well delimited tumors tissues. - NMR imaging contrast reinforcin g and scintigraphy imaging.