The advancement of nanotechnology in the biomedical field has garnered growing interest due to the diverse physical properties of nanoparticles (NPs) and their potential applications in cancer theranostics. Although various nanodrug delivery systems, such as polymeric, lipid-based, and gold NPs, are available, superparamagnetic iron oxide NPs (SPIONs) have attracted significant attention due to their multifunctionality, biocompatibility, ease of surface functionalization, and responsiveness to external magnetic fields, enabling both cancer diagnostics and drug delivery applications. This review provides an overview of SPIONs as a powerful theranostic tool in cancer treatment. It also focuses on the synthesis and stabilization of SPIONs, discussing various protection and stabilization strategies using both organic coatings (synthetic and natural polymers) and inorganic coatings (such as silica and gold), as well as liposomes. In addition, the review highlights targeted biomedical applications of SPIONs, including magnetic resonance imaging, hyperthermia, and drug delivery. Finally, it also addresses the challenges and limitations of SPIONs, as well as their future perspective in clinical translation in cancer theranostics.

Herein, a flower like MoS₂ (M1) microsphere assembled by layered porous nanosheet was successfully prepared by facile hydrothermal synthesis procedure. The structural, chemical and morphological characterizations for the as synthesized sample (M1) were carried out by powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Field Emission Scanning Electron microscope (FESEM) respectively and spectroscopic characterization was performed by UV-Vis absorption and photoluminescence emission spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the product was evaluated through photocatalytic degradation of Methylene Blue under visible light irradiation. The results indicate that layered MoS₂structures possess significant adsorption ability, which may be useful for further research and practical applications of the layered MoS2 adsorbent in wastewater treatment.

Recently, ferrite nanomaterials have emerged as a potent entrant in the biomedical field, especially in diagnosing and treating cancer in various organs because of their low toxicity, favorable magnetic properties, and biocompatibility. The conventional chemotherapy used for cancer treatment suffers from a deep setback because of the associated severe side effects produced in cancer patients during the treatment, such as bone marrow depression, hair fall, kidney damage, heart problems, neurological disorders, and others. Hence, in this context, ferrite nanomaterials provide the benefits of targeted delivery of a cytotoxic anticancer drug(s) to the specific tumor site using an external magnetic field, causing minimal side effects on healthy tissues. Another important benefit of using these nanomaterials lies in their ability to enhance the water solubility of hydrophobic drugs in order to extend the prolonged circulation of drugs in the blood and also to prevent fast renal excretion. Therefore, in this chapter, we will address the recent status and progress of ferrite-based nanomaterials in cancer therapy and will also cover the major challenges that hinder their translation from research to clinic.