What Does SPIO Stand For?

SPIO stands for Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide

SPIO, or Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide, refers to a class of nanoparticles composed of iron oxide that exhibit superparamagnetism. These particles are typically characterized by their size, usually ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers, and their unique magnetic properties that allow them to respond rapidly to external magnetic fields without retaining magnetization once the field is removed. SPIOs are widely utilized in various biomedical applications, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as contrast agents, targeted drug delivery, and in hyperthermia treatment for cancer, due to their biocompatibility and ability to enhance imaging contrast.