Magnetite (Fe3O4) Nanoparticles in Biomedical Application: From Synthesis to Surface Functionalisation

Abstract

Nanotechnology has gained much attention for its potential application in medical science. Iron oxide nanoparticles have demonstrated a promising effect in various biomedical applications. In particular, magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles are widely applied due to their biocompatibility, high magnetic susceptibility, chemical stability, innocuousness, high saturation magnetisation, and inexpensiveness. Magnetite (Fe3O4) exhibits superparamagnetism as its size shrinks in the single-domain region to around 20 nm, which is an essential property for use in biomedical applications. In this review, the application of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) in the biomedical field based on different synthesis approaches and various surface functionalisation materials was discussed. Firstly, a brief introduction on the MNP properties, such as physical, thermal, magnetic, and optical properties, is provided. Considering that the surface chemistry of MNPs plays an important role in the practical implementation of in vitro and in vivo applications, this review then focuses on several predominant synthesis methods and variations in the synthesis parameters of MNPs. The encapsulation of MNPs with organic and inorganic materials is also discussed. Finally, the most common in vivo and in vitro applications in the biomedical world are elucidated. This review aims to deliver concise information to new researchers in this field, guide them in selecting appropriate synthesis techniques for MNPs, and to enhance the surface chemistry of MNPs for their interests.

Preparation and Properties of Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications: A Brief Review

“…These techniques may be based on two classifications of aqueous and non-aqueous forms. The aqueous method is one of the most widely utilized methods in the synthesis of aqueous phase because of its simplicity and efficiency [20]. Non-aqueous techniques are based on using nonpolar solvents for synthesis IONPs [10].…”

“…This is due to remarkable properties IONPs, such as super paramagnetism, desirable size to conjugate with biocompatible coating agents [8]. The most popular magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are maghemite [9], iron oxide hematite [10], and magnetite [10]. Investigations on magnetic IONPs have been proved that the magnetic properties basically depend on size and the shape of NPs as display vital roles for various applications [11].…”

Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Induce Apoptosis in HT-29 Cells by Increasing ROS and Damaging DNA

“…Hence, it directs research in this eld toward the production of cost-effective pharmaceutical products and processing and synthesis of these nanoparticles can be one of the least expensive synthesis instructions [6][7]. Therefore, magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are one of the most important metal nanoparticles that are used in a wide range of biomedical technologies and applications due to their biocompatibility, physicality, low toxicity, stability, cell cycle arrest, and magnetic properties [8,9]. In addition, magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have been shown to have cytotoxic properties in cancer cells [10,11].…”

Preparation and application of magnetic chitosan in environmental remediation and other fields: A review

“…24 Fe 3 O 4 is composed of ferric and ferrous iron elements and possesses great chemical stability, high magnetic susceptibility and saturation magnetization. 25 Magnetics mostly used are classified into three categories, namely, ferromagnetic, paramagnetic, and diamagnetic. 26 Ferromagnetic materials are magnetism that generates sufficient forces and shows spontaneous magnetism compared to others.…”