Magnetic Nanoparticles and Their Bioapplications

In this chapter, we present the basic principles of magnetism and how these principles are altered in relation to the size of magnetic nanomaterials such as magnetite (Fe3O4) and maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticles. In addition, we make a small reference to the physical and chemical methods that are used for the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as well as to some of the surface functionalization techniques that are currently used and that aim at improving the biological-related properties of the MNPs. After a more detailed description of the bioapplications that involve the exploitation of MNPs, some concluding remarks and an opinion for the future of MNPs are given.