Fe3O4 SiO2 Core Shell Nanoparticles (Iron Oxide Silica, 99.9%, APS: 80-100nm, Metal Oxide Core)

Fe3O4 SiO2 Core-Shell Nanoparticles

Fe₃O₄/SiO2 core-shell nanoparticles are composite nanomaterials that consist of a magnetite (Fe₃O₄) core enveloped by a silica (SiO₂) shell. This core-shell structure combines the unique properties of Fe₃O₄—such as superparamagnetism, magnetic responsiveness, and biocompatibility—with the chemical stability, mechanical strength, and surface functionalization capabilities of SiO₂.

Applications

Biomedical Applications:

Magnetic Drug Delivery:

Fe₃O₄/SiO₂ core-shell nanoparticles are used for targeted drug delivery in cancer therapy, where the nanoparticles can be functionalized with cancer-specific ligands (e.g., antibodies, aptamers) and directed to tumor sites using an external magnetic field. The SiO₂ shell protects the Fe₃O₄ core and allows for loading of various drugs (chemotherapeutics, anti-inflammatory agents), enabling controlled release at the target site.

The superparamagnetic property of the Fe₃O₄ core allows for magnetic targeting, ensuring that the drugs are delivered to specific locations, reducing side effects and enhancing therapeutic efficacy.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):

Fe₃O₄/SiO₂ core-shell nanoparticles are used as contrast agents in MRI. The Fe₃O₄ core provides strong magnetic resonance signals, while the SiO₂ shell enhances biocompatibility and stability. These nanoparticles can be functionalized to target specific tissues, improving the sensitivity and resolution of MRI scans.

Hyperthermia Therapy:

Magnetic hyperthermia is a therapeutic approach where magnetic nanoparticles are exposed to an alternating magnetic field, causing them to generate heat. Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles can be used for hyperthermia therapy in cancer treatment, where the SiO₂ shell helps control the release of heat and protects normal tissues from damage. This technique selectively heats and destroys cancer cells, enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

Magnetic Separation:

Fe₃O₄/SiO₂ core-shell nanoparticles are widely used in magnetic separation technologies, particularly for biological sample purification or environmental cleanup. The magnetic core allows for easy separation of nanoparticles using an external magnetic field, while the SiO₂ shell provides chemical inertness, enabling the particles to interact with specific molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, or pathogens.

Environmental Remediation:

Fe₃O₄/SiO₂ nanoparticles are employed in environmental cleanup applications due to their ability to adsorb and remove heavy metals, organic pollutants, or toxic substances from water or soil. The SiO₂ shell can be functionalized with adsorbent materials (e.g., carbon, activated carbon, or chelation agents) that can capture contaminants, while the Fe₃O₄ core allows for magnetic collection of the pollutants, facilitating their removal from the environment.