Diffusion-Controlled Synthesis of Magnetic Nanoparticles

Technological advancements of the Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) scanner and image reconstruction are important steps in the process of bringing MPI to preclinical and clinical applications. The future of this promising imaging modality, however, also crucially relies on the development of MPI tracers with high performance. An interesting material, not only for MPI, encompasses biogenic iron oxide nanoparticles due to their superior magnetic properties. It is a fact, however, that the production of such particles is extremely challenging. A promising approach for their manufacture is through the application of biomimetic synthesis routes. In the present study, a diffusion-controlled synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles, mimicking certain aspects of biomineralization in vitro is presented. The particles’ structural as well as static and dynamic magnetic properties are characterized and their potential as an MPI tracer is investigated