Environmental, Biomedical, and Industrial Applications of Biogenic Magnetite Nanoparticles

• DOI: 10.2138/gselements.19.4.228
• Publication Date: 2023-11-06T21:30:56Z
• Authors: Lucía Gandarias; Richard L. Kimber; Georges Ona-Nguema
• Keywords: Biocompatibility; Surface Modification; Magnetite Nanoparticles

Magnetite is the most abundant magnetic iron mineral on Earth’s surface. Its formation in natural ecosystems mainly due to microbial activity. Microbially synthesized magnetite, commonly called “biogenic magnetite,” has many beneficial properties for a wide range of environmental and commercial applications. high surface reactivity facilitates interactions with (in)organic pollutants anthropic ecosystems, as well reagents industrial catalysis. Due its good biocompatibility, biogenic magnetite also suited biomedical applications such cancer treatment or drug delivery. Biomineralization offers an inexpensive sustainable method production this highly functional material. Moreover, biomineralization process results biomolecule coating making it amenable further functionalization. This chapter reviews application across environmental, medical, settings. Existing challenges future opportunities these are discussed.