Source
Center for Nanomagnetics and Biotechnology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32310, USA. haik@eng.fsu.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Biotechnology applications of magnetic gels include biosensors, targeted drug delivery, artificial muscles and magnetic buckles. These gels are produced by incorporating magnetic materials in the polymer composites.
METHODS:
A biocompatible magnetic gel film has been synthesized using polyvinyl alcohol. The magnetic gel was dried to generate a biocompatible magnetic film. Nanosized iron oxide particles (gamma-Fe2O3, ~7 nm) have been used to produce the magnetic gel.
RESULTS:
The surface morphology and magnetic properties of the gel films were studied. The iron oxide particles are superparamagnetic and the gel film also showed superparamagnetic behavior.
CONCLUSION:
Magnetic gel made out of crosslinked magnetic nanoparticles in the polymer network was found to be stable and possess the magnetic properties of the nanoparticles.