Macro-to-nano: multi-scale functionalized biomaterials for cancer magnetic hyperthermia therapy

Magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT) achieves precise tumor ablation by activating the magnetothermal conversion properties of functionalized biomaterials through an alternating magnetic field. Its advantages, such as non-invasiveness, low toxicity, and unrestricted tissue penetration depth, endow it with great potential in the treatment of tumors, including glioblastoma multiforme. The design of materials across scales, from macroscopic to nanoscopic, is the core key to optimizing and enhancing the effectiveness of MHT. By regulating the material size (optimizing the Néel-Brownian synergy), morphology (core-shell structure enhancing exchange coupling), and surface functionalization (e.g., PEG modification to improve stability), the specific absorption rate can be significantly increased for improved cancer MHT efficacy. Therefore, this paper systematically reviews the mechanism innovation and clinical applications of multiscale (macroscopic/microscopic/nanoscopic) functionalized biomaterials in MHT. Moreover, it looks ahead to the prospects of the integration of material engineering, cross-scale thermal control, and multimodal therapy, providing a theoretical framework for the development of material media in the next generation of tumor hyperthermia technology.