Preparation and Properties of Well-Defined Magnetic Particles

Abstract

Magnetic particles are important not only in the technology, but also in the function of some biosystems. In addition, they are of great scientific interest in developing a better understanding of magnetic phenomena. Ever since magnetic recording media were first prepared, extensive efforts have been made to produce improved magnetic dispersions. The particle s for magnetic media must be of single domain, high saturation magnetization, and proper coercive force. However, the magnetic interactions between such particles are very strong, and stable dispersions are difficult to obtain. Originally, their use was limited to audio tapes, but presently they are employed in a variety of applications. Thus, small particles of different magnetic properties are constituents of magnetic fluids. In 1975, magnetic particles were identified in the bodies of some bacteria, which can navigate along geomagnetic fields. It is also believed that certain animais have the ability to detect a magnetic field due to the presence of magnetic particles in their cells. Techniques are being developed to introduce new functions to materials by incorporating magnetic particles. For example, magnetic particles that are encapsulated by nonmagnetic compounds (e.g. polymers) or particles are used for binding and separating enzymes from reactant mixtures. Efforts are under way to use magnetic particles in drug delivery Systems and for diagnosis.