Core–shell structural iron oxide hybrid nanoparticles: from controlled synthesis to biomedical applications

Abstract

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have received great research attention due to their wide spectrum of potential applications. Core–shell structures with iron oxide nanoparticles as the core and with covalently grafted organic polymers as the shell, which has specific functions, such as biocompatibility, fluorescence, and biological activity have been synthesised. These nanostructured compounds could find numerous biomedical applications. This feature article provides a review on the synthetic methodologies for building such magnetic core–shell structures, and on their applications in targeted drug delivery, enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), enzyme immobilization, hyperthermia and biosensors. Promising future directions of this active research field are also discussed.