Silica coating of magnetic metallic nano-objects with no metal oxidation

The LPCNO laboratory in Toulouse (France) has developed a new process, in organic medium, to synthetise magnetic-metallic nano-objects (Fe-Co) coated with a silica layer. The key point of this innovation is avoiding metal oxidation during the step of silica coating, preserving the core’s magnetic properties. This approach allows using those coated nano-objects in two distinctive fields: oncology and microelectronics. Partners are sought to contribute to the development of this technology.

The laboratory of Physics and Chemistry of Nano-objects (LPCNO) in Toulouse (France) has developed a new process, in organic medium, to synthetise magnetic-metallic nano-objects (Fe-Co) coated with a silica layer.

The key point of this innovation is avoiding metal oxidation during the step of silica coating, preserving the core’s magnetic properties.

Contrary to existing methods, the synthesis process is simple (only one step), and does not require the use of a coupling agent between the metallic core and the silica layer. This approach allows using those coated nano-objects in two distinctive fields: oncology and microelectronics. Besides those nano-objects do not bind together and one can control their magnetic stability.

Advantages:
- No loss of magnetic properties of the coated objects
- Soft chemistry process
- Easy surface functionalization
- Biocompatible interface

Applications:
- Oncology: Those nano-objects are biocompatible and stable, therefore they can be used for therapeutic applications such as magnetic hyperthermia and real-time optical detection of tumor size through surface functionalisation.

- Microelectronics: Production of inductors, use in standard processes and as information storage.

Intellectual property rights:
- French patent filed on 19th November 2007
- International protection (WO 09/071794)