ABSTRACT
A great effort has been recently devoted to the design and synthesis of new magnetic nanoparticles driven by the rapid development of the nanomedicine and nanobiotechnology.1Among them, iron oxide nanoparticles, in particular magnetite (Fe3O4) and maghemite(γ-Fe2O3), play a prominent role since iron is indispensable component of living organisms and has reduced toxicity.2Surface-modified iron oxide nanoparticles have been found very attractive for cell separation3 and labeling,4cancer therapy,5drug delivery,6 and as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).4
