Glycine passivated Fe3O4 nanoparticles for thermal therapy

► Biocompatible, water dispersible glycine passivated Fe3O4 nanoparticles. ► Carboxylate group is the preferable site for chemisorption of glycine with Fe3O4. ► Excellent heating ability under AC magnetic field shows its use in thermal therapy. ► Amine groups on Fe3O4 surface can be explored for conjugation of biomolecules.