Magnetic spinel ferrite nanoparticles from synthesis to biomedical applications

Spinel ferrites are a widely investigated and applied class of materials with a cubic spinel lattice structure. Their unique multifunctional properties (magnetic characteristics, tunable shape/size, large number of active surface sites, high values of specific surface area, good chemical stability, and possibilities for enhancing properties through surface modification) influenced by the synthesis procedure make them attractive for biomedical applications as magnetic nanoparticles in drug delivery to a set target, magnetic hyperthermia, tissue engineering, magnetic extraction of biological components and magnetic diagnostics. In this review, we give an overview of up-to-date synthesis procedures for obtaining magnetic spinel nanoparticles and nanocomposites with optimal properties for biomedical applications