Enhanced bio-compatibility of ferrofluids of self-assembled superparamagnetic iron oxide-silica core-shell nanoparticles

Advanced biomedical applications of iron oxide nanostructures based ferrofluids

Ferrofluids or magnetic nanofluids are highly stable colloidal suspensions of magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) dispersed into various base fluids. These stable ferrofluids possess high thermal conductivity, improved thermo-physical properties, higher colloidal stability, good magnetic properties, and biocompatibility, which are the primary driving forces behind their excellent performance, and thus enable them to be used for a wide range of practical applications. The most studied and advanced ferrofluids are based on iron oxide nanostructures especially NPs, because of their easy and large-scale synthesis at low costs. Although in the last decade, several review articles are available on ferrofluids but mainly focused on preparations, properties, and a specific application. Hence, a collective and comprehensive review article on the recent progress of iron oxide nanostructures based ferrofluids for advanced biomedical applications is undeniably required. In this review, the state of the art of biomedical applications is presented and critically analyzed with a special focus on hyperthermia, drug delivery/nanomedicine, magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic separation of cells. This review article provides up-to-date information related to the technological advancements and emerging trends in iron oxide nanostructures based ferrofluids research focused on advanced biomedical applications. Finally, conclusions and outlook of iron oxide nanostructures based ferrofluids research for biomedical applications are presented.

Engineered magnetoactive collagen hydrogels with tunable and predictable mechanical response

In the present study, the synthesis of superparamagnetic collagen-based nanocomposite hydrogels with tunable swelling, mechanical and magnetic properties is reported. The fabrication strategy involved the preparation of pristine collagen type-I hydrogels followed by their immersion in highly stable aqueous solutions containing pre-formed double-layer oleic acid-coated hydrophilic magnetite nanoparticles (OA.OA.Fe₃O₄) at different concentrations, to interrogate nanoparticles' deposition within the 3D fibrous collagen matrix. Besides the investigation of the morphology, composition and magnetic properties of the produced materials, their mechanical properties were experimentally evaluated under confined compressive loading conditions while an exponential constitutive equation was employed to describe their mechanical response. Moreover, the deposition of the nanoparticles in the collagenous matrix was modeled mathematically with respect to the swelling of the gel and the effective stiffness of the matrix. The model recapitulated nanoparticle diffusion and deposition as well as hydrogel swelling, in terms of nanoparticles' size and concentration of OA.OA.Fe₃O₄ aqueous solution.

Magnetically tunable liquid dielectric with giant dielectric permittivity based on core-shell superparamagnetic iron oxide

A liquid dielectric based on a core-shell architecture having a superparamagnetic iron oxide core and a shell of silicon dioxide was synthesized. The frequency dependence of dielectric properties was evaluated for different concentrations of iron oxide. The dependence of magnetic field on the dielectric properties was also studied. Aqueous ferrofluid exhibited a giant dielectric constant of 6.4 × 10⁵ at 0.1 MHz at a concentration of 0.2 vol% and the loss tangent was 3. The large rise in dielectric constant at room temperature is modelled and explained using percolation theory and Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars type polarization. The ferrofluid is presumed to consist of nanocapacitor networks which are wired in series along the lateral direction and parallel along longitudinal direction. On the application of an external magnetic field, the chain formation and its alignment results in the variation of dielectric permittivity.

Core–shell nanoparticles by silica coating of metal oxides in a dual-stage hydrothermal flow reactor

A green, fast, high-throughput, continuous-flow hydrothermal synthesis method is explored for preparation of silica coated nanoparticles with narrow size distribution.

Collagen based magnetic nanocomposites for oil removal applications

A stable magnetic nanocomposite of collagen and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) is prepared by a simple process utilizing protein wastes from leather industry. Molecular interaction between helical collagen fibers and spherical SPIONs is proven through calorimetric, microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. This nanocomposite exhibited selective oil absorption and magnetic tracking ability, allowing it to be used in oil removal applications. The environmental sustainability of the oil adsorbed nanobiocomposite is also demonstrated here through its conversion into a bi-functional graphitic nanocarbon material via heat treatment. The approach highlights new avenues for converting bio-wastes into useful nanomaterials in scalable and inexpensive ways.