Due to finite size effects, such as the high surface-to-volume ratio and different crystal structures, magnetic nanoparticles are found to exhibit interesting and considerably different magnetic properties than those found in their corresponding bulk materials. These nanoparticles can be synthesized in several ways (e.g., chemical and physical) with controllable sizes enabling their comparison to biological organisms from cells (10–100 μm), viruses, genes, down to proteins (3–50 nm). The optimization of the nanoparticles’ size, size distribution, agglomeration, coating, and shapes along with their unique magnetic properties prompted the application of nanoparticles of this type in diverse fields. Biomedicine is one of these fields where intensive research is currently being conducted. In this review, we will discuss the magnetic properties of nanoparticles which are directly related to their applications in biomedicine. We will focus mainly on surface effects and ferrite nanoparticles, and on one diagnostic application of magnetic nanoparticles as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents.

Localized magnetic hyperthermia using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) under the application of small magnetic fields is a promising tool for treating small or deep-seated tumors. For this method to be applicable, the amount of MNPs used should be minimized. Hence, it is essential to enhance the power dissipation or heating efficiency of MNPs. Several factors influence the heating efficiency of MNPs, such as the amplitude and frequency of the applied magnetic field and the structural and magnetic properties of MNPs. We discuss some of the physics principles for effective heating of MNPs focusing on the role of surface anisotropy, interface exchange anisotropy and dipolar interactions. Basic magnetic properties of MNPs such as their superparamagnetic behavior, are briefly reviewed. The influence of temperature on anisotropy and magnetization of MNPs is discussed. Recent development in self-regulated hyperthermia is briefly discussed. Some physical and practical limitations of using MNPs in magnetic hyperthermia are also briefly discussed.

Thermomechanical behavior of membranes based on blends of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with different weight percentage (wt %) of glycerol has been studied. Solidstate PVA/Glycerol polymer membranes were prepared by a solution casting method. The films were studied for thermal characteristics by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis and for the mechanical properties including hardness and modulus by nanoindentation method. The dispersion of glycerol within the polymer matrix was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to confirm the formation of hydrogen bonding between the plasticizer and PVA in their blends and also to provide information on compatibility and physical interactions between the glycerol and PVA. It was found that the thermal properties particularly the melting point (T m ) for PVA blends exhibit a reduced value proportional to the glycerol content. The hardness and elastic modulus were also found to decrease with an increase in plasticizer content.