Magnetic zero-valent metal polymer nanoparticles: Current trends, scope, and perspectives

Magnetic polymer nanoparticles are playing a vital role in various biomedical fields, such as diagnostics, drug delivery, cancer therapeutics, and biotechnology. In particular, magnetic zero-valent metal polymer nanoparticles are receiving considerable attention in the research field of magnetic nanomaterials due to their improved magnetic properties compared to conventional magnetic iron oxide polymer nanoparticles. Generally, two types of magnetic zero-valent metal polymer nanoparticles, metallic and bimetallic, are prepared using different techniques, and their selection depends on various factors, such as stability, particle size, and application. In this review, we present a brief description of the recent developments in the synthesis of these nanoparticle systems from an application point of view, and we also emphasize the scope and future outlook of this upcoming and promising research area. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.