Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Research Articles

The attitude of high school students towards choosing a career path and participation in workshops popularizing science – SPIONs synthesis case

ABSTRACT Background Popular science projects provide an opportunity for students to explore scientific disciplines in a hands-on manner, potentially influencing their future career choices, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Purpose The study aims to explore the potential impact of participation in science popularization workshops on high school students’ perception of STEM fields and their interest in pursuing careers in science. It examines students’ attitudes through survey data, including their self-reported interest in STEM disciplines, career aspirations, and reflections on the role of hands-on experience in shaping their educational choices. Sample The study involved high school students who participated in a series of experimental workshops focused on the synthesis of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. Design and methods We analyze the relationship between popular science projects carried out by high school students on the choice of field of study and further professional path, i.e. their attitude towards choosing a career path, and participation in workshops popularizing science into account exact STEM. To achieve this goal, we designed a series of experiments tailored to high school students. Results Students had the opportunity to study the 3D virtual representations of molecular geometry. Seventy-five percent of participants connected their professional path with the field of chemistry, and 35% declared interest in following an academic career. Conclusion These findings indicate that science popularization workshops can significantly influence students’ perceptions of STEM education and career paths. Engaging in laboratory activities, collaborative problem-solving, and direct interactions with scientists fostered a heightened interest in chemistry and related fields. Based on the Social Cognitive Career Theory, self-efficacy and outcome expectations play a pivotal role in career choices. Our results support this perspective, as students with positive workshop experiences were more inclined to consider STEM studies. Moreover, the hands-on approach bridged the gap between theoretical learning and real-world scientific applications.

Magnetically Triggered Drug-Release System and Magnetic Caged Calcium Using Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and Hydrogels

Magnetically Triggered Drug-Release System and Magnetic Caged Calcium Using Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and Hydrogels

Smart SPIONs for Multimodal Cancer Theranostics: A Review.

Despite significant advancements in anticancer research, the performance statistics of current therapeutic regimens yield unsatisfactory outcomes. Issues such as high metastasis rates, drug resistance, limited efficacy, and severe side effects underscore the urgent need for safer and more effective strategies for tumor mitigation. One promising approach lies in the use of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) for hybridized cancer therapy, leveraging their unique properties and functional versatility to enhance treatment efficacy and safety. They can serve as platforms for various therapeutic as well as diagnostic applications, enhancing imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging. This paper presents an in-depth compilation of the application of nanoparticulate SPIONs amalgamates for multimodal cancer therapeutics. Physical phenomena such as light, heat, sound, and magnetism can be coupled to nanoparticulate delivery systems for developing targeted, precision medicine against cancer. Integration of noninvasive and effective platforms technologies such as photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, magnetic hyperthermia, and sonodynamic therapy hold great promise in counteracting the daunting challenges within cancer therapeutics.

Trends in optimized biogas production: synthesis, characterization and use of magnetic iron nanoparticles to enhance the anaerobic digestion process.

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were investigated for their potential to enhance biogas production through the anaerobic digestion of fruit and vegetable waste. The nanoparticles were synthesized via co-precipitation and characterized using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), UV-visible spectroscopy, and Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM). MFM analysis revealed a magnetic force of -20 nN at a distance of 42 nm from the nanoparticles, with a magnetic gradient extending up to 100 nm in nanoparticle clusters. Anaerobic digestion experiments, conducted in Erlenmeyer flasks, employed a factorial design to optimize conditions such as moisture content, temperature, and inoculum percentage. Results demonstrated that the addition of iron oxide nanoparticles, at 34°C with 7% inoculum and 42% moisture content, led to a 55.53% reduction in substrate residual compared to control tests without nanoparticles. The presence of lactic acid confirmed the occurrence of acidogenesis, while higher concentrations of acetic acid in nanoparticle-enhanced tests suggested an influence on the acetogenesis phase. Additionally, the nanoparticles showed potential as adsorbents. These findings highlight the potential of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as an effective and sustainable method for improving biogas production from organic waste, with implications for urban areas and fueling centers seeking alternative, renewable energy solutions.

Fast Kinetic Response and Efficient Removal of Methyl Blue and Methyl Green Dyes by Functionalized Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes Powered with Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and Citrus reticulata Peel Extract

Maghemite nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully developed using phenolic-rich extracts (cyanidin) from Citrus reticulata peel residues. The 11 nm maghemite NPs, obtained at 3% w/v and at 353 K, presented the optimal synthesis conditions. To improve dye adsorption performance, the synergetic adsorption behavior between these 11 nm NPs and multiwall carbon nanotubes was demonstrated. Prior to the adsorption tests, the aging effect on NPs was carefully assessed using various analytical techniques, which clearly showed the magnetite–maghemite phase transition. However, this had no impact on the cyanidin coating or adsorption properties. A remarkable percentage removal of (93 ± 3)% for methylene blue and (84 ± 3)% for methylene green was achieved in short equilibrium times of 10 and 25 min, respectively, with an optimum pH value of 5.5. Reuse experiments revealed that 90% removal for both dyes was achieved between the second to seventh regeneration cycles. Organic loading during these cycles was effectively confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and magnetic measurements. Dye adsorption involves a two-step mechanism: (i) electrostatic adsorption by the negative surface groups of the adsorbent (isoelectric point of 5.2) and the dye cationic groups and (ii) π–π stacking interactions between the aromatic benzene rings of the dyes, the hexagonal skeleton of the multiwall carbon nanotubes, and the phenolic ring groups of the biosynthesized sample. These results suggest that the low-cost modified phenolic adsorbent can be successfully applied to dye removal from water with promising recycling properties.

A Review on Nanotechnology in Soil Science: Recent Advances in Soil Remediation, Fertilization and Carbon Sequestration

Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative approach for improving soil health and agricultural productivity through its applications in soil remediation, fertilization, and carbon sequestration. In soil science, nanotechnology involves the use of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) such as nanoparticles, nanofibers, nano clays, and carbon-based nanomaterials to address challenges related to soil contamination, nutrient management, and carbon sequestration. Recent advancements in nanotechnology-based soil management, focusing on the role of nanomaterials such as nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI), biochar, graphene oxide, nano clays, and metal oxide nanoparticles. Soil remediation using nanomaterials demonstrates high efficiency in removing heavy metals, organic pollutants, and pathogens through adsorption, catalytic degradation, and redox reactions, achieving contaminant removal rates exceeding 90%. Nano fertilizers enhance nutrient use efficiency by 30-40%, promoting crop productivity and minimizing nutrient losses. Carbon sequestration efforts using biochar and graphene oxide have been shown to increase soil organic carbon storage by 15-40% through improved soil aggregation and organic matter stabilization. Despite promising results, challenges related to potential toxicity, long-term stability, scalability, and inconsistent regulatory frameworks persist. Addressing these concerns requires the development of eco-friendly nanomaterials, standardized testing protocols, and comprehensive risk assessments. Integrating nanotechnology with precision agriculture, digital farming, and biotechnology offers opportunities for synergistic effects that enhance soil health and agricultural sustainability. Collaborative efforts involving researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders are essential for advancing nanotechnology-based solutions to address global challenges related to soil degradation, food security, and climate change mitigation. Continued research and international cooperation will be important in optimizing the safe and effective use of nanotechnology in soil science.

Three-Dimensional Porous Artemia Cyst Shell Biochar-Supported Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Efficient Removal of Chromium from Wastewater

Chromium-containing wastewater poses severe threats to ecosystems and human health due to the high toxicity of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). Although iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) show promise for Cr(VI) removal, their practical application is hindered by challenges in recovery and reuse. Herein, a novel three-dimensional porous nanocomposite, Artemia cyst shell biochar-supported iron oxide nanoparticles (ACSC@ IONP), was synthesized via synchronous pyrolysis of Fe3+-impregnated Artemia cyst shells (ACSs) and in situ reduction of iron. The optimized composite C@Fe-3, prepared with 1 mol/L Fe3+ and pyrolyzed at 450 °C for 5 h, exhibited rapid removal equilibrium within 5–10 min for both Cr(VI) and total chromium (Cr(total)), attributed to synergistic reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) and adsorption of Cr(VI) and Cr(III). The maximum Cr(total) adsorption capacity was 110.1 mg/g at pH 2, as determined by the Sips isothermal model for heterogeneous adsorption. Competitive experiments demonstrated robust selectivity for Cr(VI) removal even under a 64-fold excess of competing anions, with an interference order of SO42− > NO3− > Cl−. Remarkably, C@Fe-3 retained 65% Cr(VI) removal efficiency after four adsorption–desorption cycles. This study provides a scalable and eco-friendly strategy for fabricating reusable adsorbents with dual functionality for chromium remediation.

Novel concept for synthesizing carbon nano-onion, graphene layers, and graphene nano-ribbons from polypropylene waste over Fe2O3 nanoparticles

Abstract In order to optimize the manufacturing of polypropylene-derived few-layer graphene, an innovative utilization of non-supported iron oxide nanoparticles generated under various fuel environment conditions was studied. Three distinct fuel combustion environment circumstances (fusion, fuel shortage, and fuel excess) produced a variety of Fe2O3 nanoparticles for cost-effective and green graphene deposition. XRD, H2-TPR, Raman, and TGA measurements were used to characterize both new and spent catalysts. Remarkably, the microstructure of the generated Fe2O3 nanoparticles could be controlled by the citric acid/iron nitrate ratio, ranging from spheroids (Fe2O3(0)) to sheets (Fe2O3(0.5-0.75)) and a hybrid microstructure that consists of sheets, spheroids, and interconnected strips (Fe2O3(1-2)). According to fuel situation (citric acid/iron nitrate ratio, Fe2O3(0-2)), various graphitization level and yields of graphene derivatives including sheets, ribbons, and onions have been developed. With the ideal fuel/oxidant ratio (ɸ = 1), the Fe2O3(0.75) catalyst demonstrated the best catalytic activity to deposit the largest yield of highly graphitized few graphene layers (280%). Lean and rich fuel conditions (1 > ɸ > 1) have detrimental effects on the amount and quality of graphene deposition. It is interesting to note that in addition to graphene sheets, an excess of citric acid caused the production of metallic cores, hollow, and merged carbon nano-onions, and graphene nano-ribbons. It was suggested that carbon nano-onions be converted into graphene nano-ribbons and semi-onion shell-like graphene layers. Graphical abstract

Applications and Efficacy of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in the Treatment of Brain Tumors

Cancers of the central nervous system are particularly difficult to treat due to a variety of factors. Surgical approaches are impeded by the skull—an issue which is compounded by the severity of possible harm that can result from damage to the parenchymal tissue. As a result, chemotherapeutic agents have been the standard of care for brain tumors. While some drugs can be effective on a case-by-case basis, there remains a critical need to improve the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents for neurological cancers. Recently, advances in iron oxide nanoparticle research have highlighted how their unique properties could be leveraged to address the shortcomings of conventional therapeutics. Iron oxide nanoparticles combine the advantages of good biocompatibility, magnetic susceptibility, and functionalization via a range of coating techniques. Thus, iron oxide nanoparticles could be used in both the imaging of brain cancers with magnetic resonance imaging, as well as acting as trafficking vehicles across the blood–brain barrier for targeted drug delivery. Moreover, their ability to support minimally invasive therapies such as magnetic hyperthermia makes them particularly appealing for neuro-oncological applications, where precision and safety are paramount. In this review, we will outline the application of iron oxide nanoparticles in various clinical settings including imaging and drug delivery paradigms. Importantly, this review presents a novel approach of combining surface engineering and internal magnetic targeting for deep-seated brain tumors, proposing the surgical implantation of internal magnets as a next-generation strategy to overcome the limitations of external magnetic fields.

Magnetic and MRI Contrast Properties of HumAfFt-SPIONs: Investigating Superparamagnetic Behavior and Enhanced T2-Weighted Imaging Performance

The present study introduces a novel theranostic nanoparticle platform that integrates superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with a ferritin-based protein nanocage derived from the archaeobacterium Archaeoglobus fulgidus. By exploiting the unique salt-triggered dissociation and reassociation mechanism of the nanocage, SPIONs were successfully encapsulated within the protein’s central cavity. The construct thus obtained was characterized by transmission electron microscopy and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The ferritin-coated SPIONs exhibited remarkable superparamagnetic behavior and robust magnetic properties. Characterization using electron paramagnetic resonance and thermal magnetization analysis confirmed the stability of the nanoparticles and their suitability for magnetic hyperthermia applications. Furthermore, T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated enhanced contrast, with ferritin-coated SPIONs generating distinct dark-spot imaging, highlighting their efficacy as a contrast agent for advanced biomedical applications.

Iron oxide based magnetic nanoparticles for hyperthermia, MRI and drug delivery applications: a review.

Iron-oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have garnered substantial attention in both research and technological domains due to their exceptional chemical and physical properties. These nanoparticles have mitigated the adverse effects of conventional treatment procedures by facilitating advanced theranostic approaches in integration with biomedicine. These IONPs have been extensively utilized in MRI (as contrast agents in diagnosis), drug delivery (as drug carriers), and hyperthermia (treatment), demonstrating promising results with potential for further enhancement. This study elucidates the operational principles of these NPs during diagnosis, drug delivery, and treatment, and emphasizes their precision and efficacy in transporting therapeutic agents to targeted sites without drug loss. It also analyses various challenges associated with the application of these IONPs in this field, such as biocompatibility, agglomeration, and toxicity. Furthermore, diverse strategies have been delineated to address these challenges. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the applications of IONPs in the field of biomedicine and treatment, along with the associated challenges. It offers significant assistance to researchers, professionals, and clinicians in the field of biomedicine.

Early and sensitive diagnosis of celiac autoimmune disease by using carboxylic acid functionalized magnetic nanoparticles-assisted biosensing platform

A novel impedimetric magneto-immunosensor based on iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles coated with 3-phosphonopropionic acid (3-PPA) (functionalized magnetic beads, or FMBs) was created for the highly sensitive and selective detection of anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody (anti-tTG) in human serum. This label-less immunosensor was introduced by magnetically attaching FMBs onto the working electrode surface with a neodium magnet. The FMBs were utilized as a sensing interface and had carboxylic acid groups for tTG molecules, which could selectively link the target anti-tTG antibody. The FMBs modification steps were carried out in microcentrifuge tubes and concentrated with magnetic force before electrochemical analyses. The specific immuno-interactions on the FMBs surface were characterized by using the electrochemical and microscopic techniques, and in the presence of anti-tTG antibodies, they were captured by tTG-immobilized magnetic beads, and significant increases were observed in impedimetric response. The magneto biosensor response was linearly related to the anti-tTG antibody level in a broad linear range of 0.125–15.62 U/mL and a low detection limit (LOD) of 0.04 U/mL. Additionally, this magneto sensor was stable, repeatable, reproducible, selective, and sensitive for determination of the anti-tTG. The commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was employed to compare the responses of the suggested immunosensor in actual samples. The magneto biosensor results were in good agreement with the ELISA reference technique results. Consequently, the biosensor performance in the analysis of serum samples was acceptable.Graphical

Quantifying lattice vibrational modes and optical conductivity in mixed magnetite-maghemite nanoparticles.

Magnetite nanoparticles are an important nanomaterial with promising biomedical applications that depend crucially on their stoichiometry. Their tendency to oxidize and turn into isostructural maghemite means that discriminating between both oxides is a essential task that is difficult to achieve with conventional techniques. In this work, a novel methodology based on infrared spectroscopy is developed and tested with practically relevant magnetic nanoparticles. In contrast to Raman spectroscopy, which is prone to systematic errors and only offers a qualitative understanding of the vibrational properties, infrared spectroscopy is not only able to identify all the modes corresponding to magnetite and maghemite, but also capable of discriminating between two possible structural variants of maghemite. Additionally, the proposed approach also allows the acquisition of electrical conductivity, a property that is sensitive to the structure and stoichiometry of the particles. Together, vibrational mode modeling and conductivity quantification provide a detailed picture of the structure and properties of mixed iron oxide nanoparticles that is valuable towards an advanced characterization of magnetic nanomaterials in real biomedical applications.

Pulsed Alternating Fields Magnetic Hyperthermia in Combination with Chemotherapy (5-Fluorouracil) as a Cancer Treatment for Glioblastoma Multiform: An In Vitro Study.

Inducing magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) involves locally raising the temperature to 39-45 °C, which increases the susceptibility of tumor cells to therapeutic agents without damaging healthy tissues. Recent studies on trapezoidal pulsed alternating magnetic fields (TP-AMFs) have proven their considerable efficacy in increasing the temperature of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) compared to sinusoidal fields. Thermal therapies have been known to incorporate multiple combinations of therapeutic approaches to optimize the medical procedure for healing cancer patients such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The combination of MHT with chemotherapy aims to enhance the therapeutic effects against cancer due to the synergistic interaction in tumor cells. In this study, we aim to exploit the synergistic effects of combining MHT produced by TP-AMFs with a low concentration of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) to optimize the therapeutic outcomes in comparison to TP-AMFs MHT alone. Hence, we exposed a glioblastoma cell line (CT2A) incubated with iron oxide nanoparticles at 1 mg/mL to two cycles of MHT employing a trapezoidal-square waveform at 200 kHz and 2 mT for 30 min for each cycle, separated by a 45 min break, both as a single treatment and in combination with 0.1 μg/mL of 5-FU. Our findings demonstrated the efficacy of the synergistic effect between MHT treatment via TP-AMFs and the 5-FU, increasing the cell death to 58.9 ± 2%, compared to 31.4 ± 3% with MHT treatment alone. Cell death was primarily driven by the necrosis pathway (47.3 ± 2%) compared to apoptosis (11.6 ± 2). The addition of 5-FU enhanced the cytotoxic effect of MHT on CT2A cells, increasing the calreticulin (CRT) positive cells to 17 ± 1% compared to 10 ± 1% as produced by MHT treatment alone. Furthermore, this combination suggests that the employed treatment approach can promote immune system activation due to the exposure of CRT in the treated cells.

Numerical simulation of nonlinear flow and energy dynamics through spinning flow of Casson hybrid nanofluid past an extending surface

The convective Casson nanofluid (CNF) flow subject to an inclined magnetic field past a stretching porous surface is studied. The hybrid nanofluid (HNF) is considered as the combination of iron oxide (Fe3O4) and zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) nanoparticles (NPs) in the sodium alginate (SA). Sodium alginate (NaC6H7O6) is an organic, biocompatible and bio-degradable polymer derived from brown algae. It serves as a thickener, stabilizer, and gelling agent in a variety of industries, involving food, medicines, and ecological engineering. The inclusion of Fe3O4 and ZrO2 NPs in the SA contributes to new developments in drug delivery, biosensors, and biomedical engineering. The unique features of NPs can considerably improve the performance features of SA-based systems. Furthermore, the impact of Joule heating, Arrhenius activation energy Brownian motion, heat source and thermophoresis effect are also examined on the flow characteristics of CNF. The modeled equations are reformed into dimensionless form and then numerically resolved through the parametric continuation method (PCM). The behavior of energy, mass and velocity profile versus the variation of physical parameters is observed and displayed through graphics. For accuracy of the proposed methodology and results, the outcomes are compared to published results. It has been determined that the variation of surface porosity and magnetic field factors declines the flow rate. The flow rate enhances with the upshot of surface stretching factor, whereas drops with the influence of Casson fluid factor. The impact of thermal Biot and Eckert number boost the energy transfer rate.

Platform Materials for Moisture-Swing Carbon Capture.

Energy and cost efficiency limit the viability of direct air carbon capture. Developing and testing materials that can improve these efficiencies and fit into the carbon capture, storage, and utilization ecosystem will be essential to advance negative emissions technologies. This study builds on the moisture-swing modality of carbon capture, directly comparing carbon-based and metal oxide nanomaterials based on their humidity-dependent adsorptive properties. The moisture-swing modality allows for the cyclical sequestration of CO2 under dry conditions and release under humid conditions. While previous work has explored individual material systems, generally focusing on the use of ion-exchange resins and comparing across different anion types, this work broadens the toolbox of platform materials available, focusing on materials with potential dual-function uses for carbon conversion and storage. Activated carbon, nanostructured graphite, and iron and aluminum oxide nanoparticles showed particular promise, among the studied materials, while manganese oxide, flake graphite, and carbon nanotube powders underperformed. The effects of surface area and pore distributions─the subject of prior theoretical work─were investigated experimentally, yielding insights into establishing design rules for platform materials for moisture-swing carbon capture and other sorbent materials.

Hydropriming and Nano-Priming with Zinc and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Improved Growth and Physio‑Biochemical Attributes of Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) Propagated Through Bud Nodes

Hydropriming and Nano-Priming with Zinc and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Improved Growth and Physio‑Biochemical Attributes of Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) Propagated Through Bud Nodes

Antitumor activity of functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles in Ehrlich tumor carcinoma-bearing mice enhanced by magnetic field.

Iron oxide nanoparticles show an intrinsic therapeutic effect on cancer growth. In vivo, the combination of iron oxide nanoparticles as magnetic particles and a low-frequency magnetic field significantly decreases the growth of Ehrlich tumor carcinoma in mice. Magnetic fields can vibrate and enhance iron oxide nanoparticles movement inside of cells, affecting their structure. In this study, iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized and assessed by UV-visible spectrophotometer, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The damage effects of iron oxide nanoparticles and low-frequency magnetic fields (0.5T, 50Hz) on tumor tissues were evaluated by assessment of DNA comet assay, and Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR), oxidative stress, assessment of inflammatory biomarkers, and histopathology studies. Also, the effect on the heart, liver, and kidney organs was studied. Our results suggest that iron oxide nanoparticles and magnetic fields could be applied to help in cancer treatment.

Sub-lethal toxicity effects of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) on the biochemical, oxidative biomarkers, and metabolic profile in Caridina fossarum.

Sub-lethal toxicity effects of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) on the biochemical, oxidative biomarkers, and metabolic profile in Caridina fossarum.

Nanotechnology and Applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles, A Review

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are of great interest due to their intriguing properties and their vast applicability, notably in biomedicine. Their synthesis, functionalization, and utilization are addressed herein under review with specific focus being put on drug delivery using iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI), hyperthermia, and bio-sensing. A systematic literature review approach was used, comparing studies from 2010 to 2023 to include both established knowledge and new trends. Different synthesis routes, such as co-precipitation, sol-gel synthesis, and thermal decomposition, and surface functionalization strategies are presented to increase stability and biocompatibility. Although they hold great promise, toxicity, regulatory, and scalability issues limit clinical translation. Overcoming these shortcomings using cutting-edge biocompatible coatings, enhanced large-scale production methods, and regulated standardization of legislative mechanisms will be essential for the long-term commercialization of MNPs. This review offers a glimpse into current advancements and forthcoming future directions in research needed to realize the complete potential of MNPs in biomedical andindustrial applications.