Synthesis and characteristics of a superparamagnetic multifunction core-shell, ZnMnFe۲O۴@SiO۲, for use in medicine applications

In this research, the core-shell of a ZnMnFe۲O۴@SiO۲ nanocomposite was prepared. Due to its porous structure, and magnetic and optical properties, this nanocomposite offers unique application potential in the field of biomedicine. For this purpose, ZnMnFe۲O۴ nanoparticles with superparamagnetic properties have been synthesized by a hydrothermal-sonochemical method. To achive of controlling the size, shape, and distribution of nanoparticles, the choice of synthesis method becomes very important. In this research, in order to obtain nanoparticles with suitable particle distribution and magnetic properties, spinel iron oxide was doped with zinc and manganese atoms by a combination of hydrothermal and sonochemical methods. Then, core-shell nanoparticles were prepared using Stöber's method. Finally, the silica shell of the porous superparamagnetic system was characterized using an X-ray diffraction pattern, FTIR, an EDS, and VSM. The results of XRD confirmed the formation of porous silica structures. Magnetic studies of manganese ferrite nanoparticles showed superparamagnetic behavior with a magnetic saturation of ۵۳.۹ emu/g for core and core-shell saturation magnetization of ۳۳.۶emu/g in the incidence field of approximately ۱ Oe. In addition to magnetic properties, these nanoparticles have unique optical properties that can be used in bio-medical research as their porous structure with a large surface area provides the ability to load large amounts of drugs and biological molecules, and as a result, they can be used in the field of simultaneous medical diagnosis, treatment using MRI, and targeted drug delivery.