Magnetic Nanoparticles: Applications and biotechnological importance

Magnetic nanoparticles are inorganic nanomaterials that having connections to biological systems and their components. The diameter of the magnetic nanoparticles differs from 10 to 100 nm and compatible to size of cells and intracellular components. Magnetic nanoparticles have recently found many useful and interesting applications in various areas of bioscience and biotechnology such as food industry, molecular and cell biology, microbiology, biochemistry, bioanalytical chemistry and biosensing, immobilization, modification, isolation and bioseparation of biological compounds. Recently increased attention has been paid to the development and applications of magnetic separation techniques. Magnetic solid phase extraction is a new method for isolation and separation of biological active compounds from large volume of solutions. This paper reviews magnetic nanoparticles, the way to synthesize biocompatible particles and their applications in various areas of biological sciences and biotechnologies.