Magnetic synergism in Janus particles—Relevance to synthetic advances, materialistic properties and their niche applications

Abstract

Multifunctional nanoparticles are emerging materials of interest as they outperform conventional nanoparticles. The advancing field of Janus nanoparticles relates to a dissymmetrical system with biphasic geometry and different chemical compositions. They combine the properties of two independent materials and so render superior properties than their symmetrical counterparts. Tailoring Janus materials with magnetic components find an extensive role in the biomedical to environmental applications owing to magnetic synergism. Unlike non-magnetic systems, Magnetic Janus particles (MJPs) facilitate facile separation, purification, recycling and complex superstructure formation, well-tuned by externally applied fields. The presence of magnetic components allows stimuli-responsive orientation, self-assembly, directionality and targeted site-specific action that make them appropriate candidates for targeted delivery and therapy, biomarkers, imaging, tracking and controlled-dynamics. This review article examines various MJP types, synthesis routes, anisotropy types, characterization methods, directed assembly, and related applications in relation to their magnetic behaviour. Along with the current difficulties and their potential solutions, the recent advancements in this area—such as the one-pot synthetic approach, biocompatible multifunctionalization, and combinatorial action as vectors, biomarkers, and theranostic agents—are highlighted.