Fabrication of magnetic nanoparticles for biomedical applications

[article provided by Dr Reza Oskouei]

L:R- Dr. Reza Oskouei and Dr. Mohammad Barati in the Advanced Materials Lab
L:R- Dr. Reza Oskouei and Dr. Mohammad Barati in the Advanced Materials Lab
Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have recently attracted a lot of attention for biomedical applications. These include drug delivery, MRI and magnetic hyperthermia therapy. There are still several challenges in the design of highly biocompatible compounds and appropriate response to the external magnetic field. In addition, establishment of a controlled-size fabrication method to achieve mono-dispersed nanoparticles with a desired particle size is of paramount importance. Due to the large surface to volume ratio, MNPs are highly prone to aggregate in order to reduce their surface energy. Agglomerated nanoparticles form larger hydrodynamic sizes which in turn increase the level of cytotoxicity and decrease circulation time in blood vessels.

Recently Dr. Mohammad Reza Barati working with Dr. Reza Oskouei in the Advanced Materials Lab at Tonsley have developed advanced magnetic nanoparticles which could be potentially used for drug delivery, MRI and hyperthermia applications. This superparamagnetic compound has been synthesised at room temperature by an inexpensive and straightforward technique based on a wet-chemical synthesis method.

The initial findings are promising and they prove that these MNPs could be an attractive multi-purpose system for biomedical applications. This provides motivation for further relevant in-vitro assessments.

Fluffy shaped powders produced immediately after synthesis. Loose and porous powders are formed as a result of gas release during synthesis.
Fluffy shaped powders produced immediately after synthesis. Loose and porous powders are formed as a result of gas release during synthesis.
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