Nanoscience stands at the forefront of modern chemistry, materials science, and biomedicine, where atomic-scale manipulation unlocks revolutionary macroscopic functionalities. Recent advances in magnetic nanomaterials (MNPs) based cancer theranostics and antimicrobial nanoplatforms demonstrate the potential of precision nanostructures in revolutionizing medical treatments. However, critical challenges persist in bridging MNPs design with predictable therapeutic outcomes, particularly in achieving scalable synthesis, precise bio-interfacing, and reproducible clinical translation. This Research Topic critically examines the fundamental-to-translational challenges in MNPs development, where control over magnetic properties must reconcile with the complex biological realities of clinical applications. The goal of this Research Topic is to address persistent hurdles in achieving predictable magnetic functionality through atomic-level engineering, particularly in designing principles for next-generation antitumor and antimicrobial nanomaterials while addressing key translational challenges. This includes precision synthesis methods, mechanistic studies of magnetic field-responsive behaviors, and the clinical translation of magnetic nanotherapeutics through scalable manufacturing, safety evaluation, and regulatory considerations.

We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Design and Synthesis Innovation: Bioinspired magnetic nanocarriers for enhanced tissue targeting; Smart magnetic materials responsive to tumor or bacterial infection microenvironment (e.g., pH, redox), advanced characterization to decipher how magnetic properties dictate cellular uptake, immune recognition, and biodistribution.

• Therapeutic Applications: Magnetically guided nanoparticles for tumor-specific drug delivery, Magnetic hyperthermia to disrupt bacterial biofilms in chronic infections, nanostructured antimicrobial surfaces to prevent bacterial adhesion and colonization.

• Mechanism: How magnetic core composition and ligand density affect tumor/bacterial penetration, Long-term fate of MNPs (biodegradation, clearance, off-target accumulation), Personalized nanomedicine approaches leveraging tumor-specific biomarkers or bacterial resistance mechanisms.

• Translation and Safety: Quality-by-design approaches for batch-to-batch consistency in magnetic nanotherapeutics, Advanced models to predict immune responses to MNPs, Multimodal imaging for real-time tracking of magnetic nanoparticle biodistribution.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Magnetic Nanomaterials for Antitumor and Antimicrobial Therapy: From Chemical Design to Practical Applications