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In recent years, the idea of designing nanoparticle surfaces displaying improved and controlled properties has raised broad scientific and technological interest. This interest is further augmented by the provision of covalently anchoring various functional groups at the surface of nanoparticles (NPs). Among the various nanomaterials under investigation, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been attracting particular attention, because of their convenient magnetic field-assisted movement. However, there are still many challenges to the practical use of MNPs that necessitate the development of improved surface coating processes to effectively benefit from the unique set of properties offered by the MNPs. Particularly, for in vivo applications, the MNPs must be encapsulated with biocompatible polymers during or after the preparation process to avoid changes from the original structure, formation of large aggregates, and biodegradation upon exposure to the biological system. Consequently, surface modification of MNPs while still maintaining the high magnetic properties of MNPs for the selected application is a requirement. This chapter focuses on the synthesis, surface modification strategies, and application of MNPs. The surface chemical properties of MNPs can be conveniently and robustly controlled by anchoring appropriate functionalities on their surface in the form of a monolayer as well as polymer brushes. Finally, some future trends and perspectives in this research area will be outlined. |
