Abstract
With their nanometer dimensions and unique magnetic properties, magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) have been used in a variety of biological applications including bioseparation, biosensing, noninvasive imaging, targeted drug delivery as well as disease treatment based on hyperthermia. The recognition of the many potential applications of magnetic NPs has generated large interests in their fabrication and functionalization. This chapter reviews the methods developed to produce functionalized magnetic NPs. It describes the major synthetic methods to form select magnetic cores of the NPs. Following the core synthesis, the chapter focuses on the strategies used to conjugate various ligands (carbohydrates, drugs/therapeutic agents, nucleic acids, and antibodies) to the surface of magnetic NPs.