Scientists from the Ural Federal University have developed a safe material based on iron oxide, known as maghemite nanoparticles. This material has several beneficial properties that may find application in biomedicine and water treatment. Maghemit nanoparticles are non-toxic and smaller than human blood vessels. They can be used in MRI for better and safer research. In addition, these nanoparticles can accelerate chemical reactions and reduce the radiation dose, making them a valuable tool in purifying water from harmful impurities.
An article published in the journal Ceramics International includes a description of the research conducted by the scientists and their results. The research was supported by the Russian Science Foundation. The scientists noted that unlike gadolinium, which is commonly used in MRI, maghemite is a safe material. Using maghemit nanoparticles will allow MRI to be done more efficiently and safely. In addition, these nanoparticles can also be used to accelerate chemical reactions under the influence of ultraviolet or X-rays, which can be used, for example, in water purification.
Professor Sergei Sokovnin, head of the research team, explained that maghemite is a magnetic material and its nanoparticles are clearly visible in the magnetic field. The nanoparticles are so small that they cannot clog human blood vessels. In addition, maghemite interacts with hemoglobin, an iron-containing protein found in the blood, making it useful for biomedical applications, including cancer treatment. Synthesizing maghemite remains a challenge, but scientists used a radiation-chemical method to obtain a nanopowder with a high concentration of structural defects. This method makes it possible to obtain nanopowder containing both the amorphous phase of maghemite and its ultra-fine crystals about 2-3 nanometers in size.
Source: Ferra
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