Apoferritin-encapsulated Ni and Co superparamagnetic nanoparticles

Ni and Co nanoparticles ( average diameters 3 and 3.5 nm) have been prepared within the apoferritin cavity. The protein shell prevents bulk aggregation of the metal particles, rendering them water soluble. X-Ray diffraction, transmission electronic microscopy and magnetization measurements have been used for characterizing the nanoparticles. The magnetic study of both nanoparticles confirmed the expected superparamagnetic behavior.