Synthesis, characterization and magnetic properties of spider silk coated with maghemite (gamma-Fe2O3) nanoparticles

Spider silk-maghemite (SS-gamma-Fe2O3) composite was obtained by simple and fast co-precipitation method at room temperature. The fibers were coated with maghemite nanoparticles with the average size of 25 nm. According to DTA, maghemite NPs contributed the thermal stability of the composite. Magnetic properties of as obtained composite were estimated. At room temperature, the system was is in a superparamagnetic state, while at temperature of 5 K the magnetic moments were blocked. This composite is seen as a novel hybrid material with superparamagnetic properties for possible applications in bioseparation, biosensors, magnetographic printing, magnetic screens, and magnetic filters as well as sensing/actuating components of MEMS