Review on the advancements of magnetic gels: towards multifunctional magnetic liposome-hydrogel composites for biomedical applications

Magnetic gels have been gaining great attention in nanomedicine, as they combine features of hydrogels and magnetic nanoparticles into a single system. The incorporation of liposomes in magnetic gels further leads to a more robust multifunctional system enabling more functions and spatiotemporal control required for biomedical applications, which includes on-demand drug release. In this review, magnetic gels components are initially introduced, as well as an overview of advancements on the development, tuneability, manipulation and application of these materials. After a discussion of the advantages of combining hydrogels with liposomes, the properties, fabrication strategies and applications of magnetic liposome-hydrogel composites (magnetic lipogels or magnetolipogels) are reviewed. Overall, the progress of magnetic gels towards smart multifunctional materials are emphasized, considering the contributions for future developments. [Display omitted] •Magnetolipogels combine hydrogels, liposomes and magnetic nanoparticles in a single system.•Magnetic nanoparticles properties and hyperthermia fundamentals are briefly reviewed.•Magnetogels and its advancements as promising materials for drug delivery are introduced.•Biomedical advantages of hydrogels incorporating liposomes are discussed.•Magnetolipogels widen biomedical applications and surpass limitations of individual systems.