Magnetic microcomposites as vectors for bioactive agents: The state of art

The paper gives a survey of the research domains where ferromagnetic particles: attached to bioactive chemical agents, are used as vectors for the delivery of the active species on predetermined sites, via the blood system. The following fields are discussed: biologic species molecular recognition and separation: antigenic agents (medical diagnostic), flavor and perfumes molecules. - targeted ''drug delivery'' by use of bio-ferrofluids guided in veins by an exterior magnetic flux source (cancer chemotherapy, critical rheumatismal inflammations, local pain release etc.), This part also concerns the specific site delivery of radioactive beta emitters for ''internal radiotherapy''. - Specific site delivery of magnetic bodies for radio frequency induced hyperthermia of well delimited tumors tissues. - NMR imaging contrast reinforcing and scintigraphy imaging.