Functional magnetic nanoparticles for use in a drug delivery system

γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles encapsulated in amorphous SiO2 were prepared by the wet chemical method and carboxyl-modified functionalized nanoparticles were produced. The prepared samples were examined by X-ray diffraction measurements and TEM images. Particles sizes in the range 4-20 nm were determined from the Scherrer formula. Magnetization was measured by a SQUID magnetometer under a ±50-kOe magnetic field. The magnetization curves showed ferromagnetic or superparamagnetic behaviour depending on particle size. Functionalized nanoparticles were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) measurements. The typical C=O peak was detected in the spectrum of functionalized nanoparticles. These magnetic nanoparticles are expected to be used as carriers in drug delivery systems (DDS), hyperthermia treatment, and other biomedical applications.