Nanoparticles (NPs) are particles having at least one dimension in the nanometer size range up to 100 nm. Such nanoentities are categorized by high surface-area-tovolume ratio and are therefore particularly strong, versatile, and reactive when compared to the bulk state. These specific properties offer new and interesting possibilities for optimizing the optical, mechanical, and magnetic properties of NPs, among others.

Introduction to Magnetic Nanoparticles

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with sizes between 10 and 100 nm, made of magnetic elements like iron, manganese and chromium as well as gadolinium and nickel, have a wide range of applications, including in biomedical devices, sensors and the food industry. When material dimensions are reduced from macroscale to nanoscale, their optical and electrical properties will change. MNPs with sizes below 30 nm have superparamagnetic characteristics with zero coercivity, and no hysteresis. The MNPs can be visualized using magnetic resonance imaging by applying an external magnetic field. The biocompatibility and toxicity of MNPs are dependent on their nature, particle size and coating, as well as the magnetically responsive core material (Fe Mg Mn Ni Co).

Fig. 1  SEM image of Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles prepared by sol-gel method

The most popular magnetic NPs in the biomedical field are Co, Fe, Ni, Ti, iron oxide, and some ferrites (BaFe₁₂O₁₉ and CoFe₂O₄). Iron oxides, such as magnetite (Fe₃O₄) and its oxidized form, maghemite (g-Fe₂O₃), are the most common MNPs. The biocompatibility of these particles, their non-toxic and non-immunogenic characteristics and their ability to prepare small particle sizes have led to them being explored for biomedical applications and food. The only MNPs approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA), Ferrous oxide nanoparticles will not retain their magnetism even after removing an external magnetic field. MNPs made from other materials, such as nickel and cobalt, are highly magnetic , but they are toxic and oxidize rapidly at the surface, so they have received little interest. Magnetic properties of individual NPs are affected by their finite size, surface effects and narrow shape. MNPs are available in their bare form or surface-coated with molecular recognition sites for specific binding. The size, surface area and effective sedimentation rate of MNPs determine their physicochemical properties.

Applications of MNPs

MNPs is a versatile material, which can quickly respond to magnetic environments, making it an ideal material for tissue repair, biosensors, immunoassays, detoxification of bodily fluids, data storage and environmental remediation.

Special Features of MNPs

There are some popular ways to achieve excellently stable MNPs, such as sol-gel synthesis, thermal decomposition, co-precipitation, hydrothermal synthesis, sonolysis, microemulsion and biosynthesis. Magnetic nanoparticles exhibit many important features, such as high specific surface area, low intraparticle, chemical stability, diffusion rate, superparamagnetism and high loading capacity.

Fig. 2 Schematic representation of the surface stabilization of MNPs

Product Features

--High purity and uniform size distribution

--Excellent magnetic properties

--Biocompatible surface coatings

--Customizable surface functionalization

--Easy to disperse in various solvents

--Available in various sizes and shapes

Customization Options

At Alpha Lifetech Inc., we offer customization options to meet your specific requirements, including:

--Surface functionalization with various ligands, such as antibodies, peptides, or small molecules

--Custom particle size and shape

--Tailored magnetic properties

Alpha Lifetech Inc. is a provider of high-quality magnetic nanoparticles, designed to meet the needs of researchers in various fields. Our expert team is always available to provide technical support and guidance, ensuring that you get the most out of our magnetic nanoparticles. To place an order or request a quote, please visit our website or contact our sales team. We look forward to supporting your research with our high-quality magnetic nanoparticles.

Magnetic Particles Product List