Abstract
Magnetic Janus particles bring together the ability of Janus particles to perform two different functions at the same time in a single particle with magnetic properties enabling their remote manipulation, which allows headed movement and orientation. This article reviews the preparation procedures and applications in the (bio)sensing field of static and self-propelled magnetic Janus particles. The main progress in the fabrication procedures and the applicability of these particles are critically discussed, also giving some clues on challenges to be dealt with and future prospects. The promising characteristics of magnetic Janus particles in the (bio)sensing field, providing increased kinetics and sensitivity and decreased times of analysis derived from the use of external magnetic fields in their manipulation, allows foreseeing their great and exciting potential in the medical and environmental remediation fields.
Highlights
In 1989, Casagrande et al [1] described the preparation of spherical particles from commercial glass spheres with diameters in the 50–90 μm range bearing half-hydrophilic half-hydrophobic surfaces
Janus nanoparticles have properties and functions, such as dual-targeting [5] and molecular sensing, which are incompatible when combined in a single structural unit or in heterogeneous “not Janus” nanoparticles, opening opportunities for the construction of truly multifunctional entities [6,7]
The asymmetry of the Janus particles surface can be varied at will depending on the particular applications without altering, interfering or losing the intrinsic properties of both faces, which makes them a unique category of materials in contrast to other particles
Summary
In 1989, Casagrande et al [1] described the preparation of spherical particles from commercial glass spheres with diameters in the 50–90 μm range bearing half-hydrophilic half-hydrophobic surfaces. These particles and their synthetic methods have evolved rapidly as they have been adapted to different applications and profited of the important advances in micro- and nano-manipulation systems and fabrication procedures This evolution may include the introduction of a magnetic component (i.e., iron, nickel, Fe-Ti, CoNi) that allows driving them by means of a magnetic field towards different places in the human body where therapeutic drugs are released (i.e., drug delivery), to trap undesired entities (i.e., microorganisms), to be used for magnetic resonance imaging, separation of biological molecules or (bio)chemical sensing [8] or to perform many other applications as magnetically triggered devices in the biomedical area [9]. Outstanding developments, current trends, challenges and prospects in this exciting field are highlighted and discussed
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