Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as Contrast Agents: Hydrothermal Synthesis, Characterization and Properties

Abstract

Superparamagnetic Iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have fascinated researchers due to their vast applications in biomedical fields such as magnetic resonance imaging, cell sorting, hyperthermia, drug delivery etc. The special properties of SPIONs depend on the method of synthesis and surface modification. Among various synthetic protocols, hydrothermal method has attracted much attention due to simplicity, uniformity and excellent magnetic properties of iron oxide nanoparticles. Magnetic properties of SPIONs could be tuned by controlling the size and shape of the particles as well as by the surface modification. Low colloidal stability and high hydrophobic nature of SPIONs result in aggregation of the particles which could be avoided by surface modification of the SPIONs using various capping agents. The size, shape and surface environment of SPIONs can also be controlled by the surface coating. SPIONs are promising contrast agents due to their non-poisonous nature, biocompatibility and large surface area. The biocompatibility of SPIONs is enhanced by the surface coating/modification. The present review focuses on the hydrothermal synthesis of SPIONs and their characterization using various techniques and the applications of SPIONs in the MRI.Table of Contents