Continuous production of inorganic magnetic nanocomposites for biomedical applications by laser pyrolysis

Magnetic composites of Fe-based nanoparticles encapsulated in carbon/silica (C/SiO2@Fe) or carbon (C@Fe) matrices were prepared by laser-induced pyrolysis of aerosols. The powders were dispersed in aqueous solutions at pH 7 resulting in biocompatible colloidal dispersions with a high resistance to biodegradation. Structural and magnetic properties and the suitability of aqueous dispersions as contrast agent for MRI were analyzed. The results of these characterizations and the NMR relaxivity data are very encouraging for application of laser pyrolysis products in the field of living tissues.