Magnetic nanoparticles for biophysical applications synthesized by high-power physical dispersion

The low cost and high output methods of high-power physical dispersion: the electrical explosion of wire and the laser target evaporation were elaborated for the production of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with controlled dispersion parameters and highly reproducible functional properties. The synthesized MNPs were spherical in shape with mean diameter 10 nm and lognormal particle size distribution. The phase composition, shape, particle size and functional properties of MNPs were cross-examined by a variety of contemporary experimental techniques. The phase structure of MNPs corresponds to the inverse spinel of magnetite. Meanwhile, due to the non-equilibrium conditions of the dispersion chemical composition of MNPs is close to maghemite—γ-Fe₂O₃. Their magnetic properties are reproducible and very close to the single domain superparamagnetic behavior. The stability of the suspensions of these MNPs and their applicability in the biophysical purposes such as magneto-induced heating have been demonstrated. - Highlights: • We present two methods of low-cost and high output production of iron oxide nanoparticles. • We obtained 10 nm spherical maghemite nanoparticles with close to superparamagnetic behavior. • The suspensions of obtained nanoparticles are stable to salt in physiological concentration. • Magneto-induced heating of suspensions fits well with the theoretical predictions