Magnetic and silver nanoparticle functionalized calcium carbonate particles-Dual functionality of versatile, movable delivery carriers which can surface-enhance Raman signals

Multifunctional probes play an increasing role even beyond applications in biomedicine. Multifunctionality introduced by the dual types of complementary probes is always attractive because, in this case, functionalized objects inherit the function of both materials. Porous calcium carbonate microparticles are becoming popular carriers of biomolecules and biosensors, as well as imaging enhancers. We demonstrate here a dual function of these carriers by incorporating both magnetic and silver nanoparticles. Magnetic nanoparticles enable movements and displacements by a magnetic field, while silver nanoparticles provide surface-enhanced Raman signal amplification necessary for the detection of biomolecules. Application of such dual-functional carriers is foreseen beyond the applications of biomedicine and theranostics. Published under license by AIP Publishing.