Magnetic induced hyperthermia has been recently introduced as a new form of therapy to fight cancer. The preparation of superparamagnetic nanoparticles in the early 80’s, together with the recent advances in the synthesis of magnetic inorganic nanomaterials of varying size, shape, composition and magnetic performances, have made available new types of nano-heater probes which are less invasive and more appealing as drug delivery carriers. The aim of this presentation is to provide an introduction to magnetic induced hyperthermia, review the basic concepts of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) , to report about the recent advances on the preparation and exploitation of MNPs as heat mediators. Moreover, nanoparticles can also act as cargo systems for drug molecules. Their advantages as shuttle for drug does not only reside in their small size (which results a higher surface to volume ratio and thus a higher drug loading capacity together with the ability to escape the reticulum endothelial system) but also to their intrinsic magnetic properties. Nanoparticles can be only activated under the exposure to an alternative magnetic field, therefore local heat is generated only under specific conditions. In this regard, the heat stimulus could be the trigger mechanism to release cargos with spatial and temporal release control. To such aim, a proper nanoparticle surface chemistry needs to be designed. We will provide examples of thermo-sensitive coatings developed so far by different groups, together with the latest concepts on the temperature gradient effects at the MNP’s surface.

As an alternative, nanoparticle coatings sensitive to internal cellular stimuli , i.e. endosomal pH or reducing environment of cytoplasm, can be used for the stimuli controlled delivery from the nanoparticle surface. A short introduction to such kinds of magnetic-based stimuli responsive materials will be also discuss. Finally, we will give examples on the recent exploitation of such local effects for drug or biological induced effects. Additionally, we will discuss the most advanced animal in vivo studies in which hyperthermia has been combined with drug release.