Influence of reaction parameters on the synthesis of silica-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide particles

Abstract

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are playing an increasingly important role in medical technology. They can serve as tracers for the new imaging modality Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI), magnetic beats for magnetic cell separation, or for hyperthermia treatment of tumorous tissue. Of particular interest are their unique magnetic properties. These are based on the morphology of a particle core consisting of iron oxide, encased in a biocompatible material. Through the synthesis process, both the size of the core and the nature of the silica coating material can be controlled. The influence of the synthesis parameters on the magnetic and size properties of the SPIONs will be investigated.