Synthesis and Characterization of Magnetic Nanoparticles

Four types of MNPs were used: (i) Maghemite (γ-Fe₂O₃) fluorinated magnetic nanoparticles synthesized by nucleation, followed by controlled growth of γ-Fe₂O₃ thin films onto gelatin RITC-iron oxide nuclei (RITC, Rhodamine Isothiocyanate) according to the description in previous publication [31 ]. (ii–iv) Magnetite (Fe₃0₄) core particles with different coatings (Chemicell, Berlin, Germany). We studied nano-screenMAG–UC/C (uncoated, cationic), nano-screenMAG-D (coated with starch) and nano-screenMAG-DXS (coated with dextran sulfate) particles. The nano-screenMAG particles consist of a magnetite core surrounded by a lipophilic fluorescent dye covered by a hydrophilic matrix (starch or dextran). The nanoparticles have a red fluorescence (excitation: 578; emission: 613) (Table 1).Table 1

Summary of magnetic nanoparticle core and coating properties

Particle type	Hydrodynamic diameter (nm)	Dry diameter (nm)	Charge	Coating	Functional group
Uncoated-magnetite MNPs	100	10	Cationic	No coating	–
Starch-magnetite MNPs	100	10	Neutral	Starch	Hydroxyl groups
Dextran-magnetite MNPs	100	10	Neutral	Dextran	Sodium sulfate
Uncoated-maghemite MNPs	100	20	Anionic	No coating	Carboxyl and amine groups