Nanocrystalline Transition Metal Ferrites: Synthesis, Characterization and Surface Functionalization

In this book is describe a new, low cost method for the fabrication of high quality magnetic fluids for biomedical applications. These fluids consist of nanoparticles with different sizes stabilized by different organic molecules dispersed in a carrier liquid. The surfactant molecules stabilize the individual nanoparticles against aggregation and render them easily dispersible in both polar protic and non-polar solvents. Due to their small size,the nanoparticles exhibit magnetic properties which can be reversibly switched on and off with an external magnetic field which makes them attractive as carriers in various drug delivery schemes. In addition, their high surface reactivity allows the attachment of small gold grains to their surfaces which facilitates the functionalization of the magnetic crystals with various bioactive molecules. The resulting nanoarchitectures are highly stable, biocompatible and multifunctional opening up new opportunities for the implementation of the magnetic nanoparticles in the diagnosis and therapy of various diseases.