Magneto-responsive nanocomposites: Preparation and integration of magnetic nanoparticles into films, capsules, and gels

•Magnetic nanoparticles (MagNPs) add responsiveness to composite materials.•Magnetocomposites combine properties of MagNPs and soft-matter.•Magnetoliposomes allow controlled release of drugs and biomolecules.•Magnetic nanocomposites allow for on-demand release of actives from capsules.•Magnetic nanoparticles induce phase transition in thermo-responsive polymers.

This review reports on the latest developments in the field of magnetic nanocomposites, with a special focus on the potentials introduced by the incorporation of magnetic nanoparticles into polymer and supramolecular matrices. The general notions and the state of the art of nanocomposite materials are summarized and the results reported in the literature over the last decade on magnetically responsive films, capsules and gels are reviewed. The most promising concepts that have inspired the design of magneto-responsive nanocomposites are illustrated through remarkable examples where the integration of magnetic nanoparticles into organic architectures has successfully taken to the development of responsive multifunctional materials.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide