Cementite and magnetite nanomagnets in blood purification: responsive enough?

by | Oct 28, 2013

Swiss researchers investigate the magnetic responsiveness of cytocompatible polyethylene functionalized carbon coated cementite and magnetite nanoparticles.

Responsiveness to external magnetic fields is one of the most critical parameters for the application of nanomagnets in biomedicine. a fast and complete magnetic separation is essential, particularly in blood purification and targeted drug delivery. Currently, studies on the collection efficiency of nanomagnets are rare as investigating the grade of separation in iron-rich samples is cumbersome.

Thus, new research from a Swiss team seeks to develop a quantification approach for cytocompatible polyethylene functionalized carbon coated cementite (Fe3C) and magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles based on platinum doping. Using this tool, the superior separation behavior of cementite nanomagnets from fresh human blood under stationary and different flow-conditions was confirmed. Following the results, the use of nanomaterials with high saturation magnetizations for retention under common blood flow conditions such as in veins is strongly suggested.

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