Themed collection Magnetic Nanoparticles: From Massart Method to a Cascade of Innovations
Recent advances on high-entropy strategies developed for high-performance NASICON-type cathodes for sodium ion batteries: a mini review
High-entropy strategy has attracted researchers’ attention for obtaining NASICONs with outstanding electrochemical performance while maintaining a simple synthesis route and low costs, paving the way for mass production of sodium ion batteries.
Nanoscale, 2026,18, 8543-8555
https://doi.org/10.1039/D6NR00149A
Catalysis Under Magnetic Control: Magnetic Nanoparticles as Next-Generation Bioorthogonal Reactors
Nanoscale, 2026, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D6NR01353H
Massart iron oxide nanoparticles in mechanobiology
Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) derived from the Massart coprecipitation method have played a pioneering role in bridging materials science and biology.
Nanoscale Adv., 2026,8, 2463-2481
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NA01128K
Magnetically driven, plant-extract-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles for sustainable and eco-friendly wastewater detoxification: recent developments
A review of plant extract mediated Fe3O4 nanoparticles, their characterization, pollutant removal efficiency, interaction mechanisms, toxicity, reusability, and effects of interfering ions on water treatment is presented.
Nanoscale Adv., 2026,8, 743-781
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NA00893J
Magnetic hyperthermia in focus: emerging non-cancer applications of magnetic nanoparticles
Magnetic hyperthermia extends beyond oncology, harnessing nanoscale heat generation for advanced bioapplications, catalytic processes, and environmental technologies.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 27734-27761
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR03329B
Tailoring inter-core distance of clustered SPIONs using silica spacers for enhanced magnetic particle imaging (MPI)
Silica spacers tune inter-core interactions in clustered SPIONS, enabling cooperative magnetisation switching and enhanced Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) performance.
Nanoscale, 2026, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D6NR00223D
Synthesis and characterization of platinum-decorated iron carbide nanoparticles and their potential for magnetically induced catalysis
Platinum-decorated iron carbide nanoparticles (Pt@ICNPs) are prepared, characterized, and applied in magnetically induced catalysis for the hydrogenation of various functionalities under mild conditions.
Nanoscale, 2026,18, 5749-5753
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR04609B
How octopod Mn–Fe oxide nanoparticle tracers minimize relaxation time and enhance MPI resolution
25 nm Octopod Mn–Fe oxide nanoparticles reduce crystal anisotropy, leading to faster relaxation times, a narrower MPI point spread function (PSF), and consequently improved spatial resolution.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 21463-21467
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR02780B
Tuning field amplitude to minimise heat-loss variability in magnetic hyperthermia
Nanoscale Adv., 2026, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D6NA00235H
Reassessing the Role of Carbon Shells in Magnetite Nanoparticles: A Comparative Adsorption Study of Ionic Dyes
Nanoscale, 2026, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D6NR00230G
Compositional Control of the Effective Magnetic Anisotropy in Mn and Co Substituted Spinel Nanoparticles
Nanoscale, 2026, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR04648C
From degradation to (re)magnetization: magnetic reprogramming of maghemite (Massart), magnetite, cobalt ferrite and ferrihydrite nanoparticles by human stem cells
Structural and magnetic biotransformations of iron-based nanoparticles (maghemite, magnetite, cobalt ferrite, and ferrihydrite) reveal distinct biodegradation and re-magnetization kinetics in cellular models.
Nanoscale, 2026, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D6NR00218H
Magnetite nanodiscs as vortex-enhanced MRI contrast agents: a novel approach in medical imaging
Magnetic nanodiscs (MNDs) represent a transformative class of anisotropic magnetic nanoparticles with intrinsic vortex magnetization, enabling multifunctional applications in biomedical imaging and therapy.
Nanoscale Adv., 2026,8, 2928-2941
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NA01089F
Single-particle ICP-MS characterization of magnetoliposomes: toward measurement of the number distribution of encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles
Characterizing the number distribution of encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles in magnetoliposomes using single-particle ICP-MS.
Nanoscale, 2026,18, 8731-8738
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR03155A
Investigation of the Chemical Structure of Core–Shell Fe₃O₄@Ni1-xCoxFe₂O₄ Nanoparticles and Its Influence on Their Magnetic Properties
Nanoscale Adv., 2026, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D6NA00118A
Decoding magnetization and magnetic anisotropy in core@shell ferrite nanoparticles: interplay between cation distribution and spin disorder
The tailoring of magnetic properties in spinel ferrite nanoparticles for theranostic applications relies heavily on the precise control of their chemical composition and crystalline structure.
Nanoscale, 2026, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D6NR00200E
Smart pH-responsive magnetic iron oxide nanoflower–chitosan nanogels for controlled drug delivery in cancer therapy
This work presents a systematic study comparing several different crosslinking strategies using NaOH, tripolyphosphate and glutaraldehyde to identify the optimum conditions for the best colloidal stability, pH-responsive drug release and suitable size for intratumoral injection.
Nanoscale, 2026,18, 8041-8053
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR04770F
Biomarker-targeted functionalized magnetic nanoparticles: synthesis and aptamer conjugation optimization toward Alzheimer's disease biosensing
Optimized synthesis and aptamer functionalization of hybrid Au@Fe nanoparticles provide a stable magnetic-plasmonic platform with high loading capacity and reproducibility for Alzheimer's disease biomarker detection.
Nanoscale Adv., 2026, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D6NA00021E
Surfactant-coated iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized by coprecipitation as potential phosphate adsorbents in peritoneal dialysis
Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are recently shown to be effective phosphate adsorbents for enhancing phosphate removal during peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment.
Nanoscale Adv., 2026,8, 2763-2776
https://doi.org/10.1039/D6NA00103C
A Swiss army knife for the treatment of bone cancers: a new multifunctional platform based upon SPIONs@copper-doped bioactive glass core–shell nanoparticles
Mesoporous γ-Fe2O3@SiO2–CaO–CuO nanoparticles were prepared. Their potential as an MRI contrast agent and hyperthermia treatment and under the respectively tested conditions, both antibacterial effect and absence of cytotoxicity were demonstrated.
Nanoscale, 2026, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D6NR00763E
Influence of particle size, shape, and magnetic properties on torque-driven biofilm removal using anisotropic magnetic particles
Using rotating magnetic fields and different anisotropic magnetic particles to deliver controlled mechanical stress, persistent Enterococcus faecalis biofilms were disrupted.
Nanoscale, 2026, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D6NR00046K
Translating magnetic fluid hyperthermia toward lung cancer treatment
Magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) emerges as a potential new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of lung cancer.
Nanoscale, 2026,18, 7564-7582
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR05036G
Amine- and hydroxyl-functionalization of iron nanoparticles for tailoring the properties of Fmoc-FF-based magnetic hydrogels: interfacial design toward biocompatible materials
Magnetic iron nanoparticles functionalized with hydroxyl and amine groups were incorporated into short peptide-based (Fmoc-FF) supramolecular hydrogels, producing biocompatible systems with high potential for advanced biomedical applications.
Nanoscale, 2026, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR04964D
Comparison of magnetic nanoparticle immobilization methods using MPS and MRX
This work demonstrates the importance of choosing the proper immobilization method to provide reliable and reproducible magnetic nanoparticle reference samples with defined magnetic properties.
Nanoscale, 2026, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR05283A
Integrating green chemistry into SPION development: a theranostic study on prostate cell models
Green-synthesized SP–Au and SP–Au–Gd nanoplatforms integrate Au-enhanced radiosensitization and Gd-driven magnetic hyperthermia with MRI capability. These multifunctional systems enable synergistic, image-guided theranostics for prostate cancer.
Nanoscale, 2026, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D6NR00113K
Effect of synthesis method on the structural properties and magnetic behavior of LnFeO3 (Ln = La, Nd, Sm, and Gd) nanoparticles
Rare-earth orthoferrite (LnFeO3 Ln = La, Nd, Sm, Gd) nanoparticles were synthesized by thermal decomposition and sol–gel methods. The synthesis route strongly affects particle size and their structural and magnetic properties.
Nanoscale, 2026, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D6NR00233A
Hard meets soft: tuning binary ferrofluids
Binary ferrofluids of hard–soft magnetic nanoflowers show composition-controlled hysteresis and aggregation. Experiments and simulations reveal how soft particles suppress chain growth while preserving heating-relevant magnetic losses.
Nanoscale, 2026, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR05218A
Albumin coating of magnetic nanoparticles for imaging, tracking and delivery through biological barriers
Multiscale validation of BSA-coated magnetic nanoparticles as a theranostic system for crossing biological barriers.
Nanoscale, 2026,18, 5371-5388
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR04238K
SLPcalculator: a web-based tool to estimate nanoparticle heating with peak analysis and F-test
Accurately determining the Specific Loss Power (SLP) remains a major challenge in magnetic hyperthermia and photothermal heating. The SLPCalculator is an open access, easy-to-use and reliable tool for the SLP determination.
Nanoscale, 2026,18, 4790-4799
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR04995D
Iron oxide nanocube assembly on silver nanowire templates to enhance magnetic hyperthermia performance
Iron oxide nanocubes are benchmark magnetic nanoparticles that efficiently convert magnetic energy into heat for hyperthermia cancer treatment, and their heating can be enhanced by assembling them into ordered structures.
Nanoscale, 2026,18, 4773-4789
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR03252K
Magnetic resorcinol-formaldehyde supported Schiff-base/Cu as a robust and recoverable nanocatalyst for the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans
A novel magnetic RF functionalized with Schiff-base/Cu (Mag@RF/SB-Cu) nanocomposite is prepared, characterized and used as a powerful and highly recoverable nanocatalyst for the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans in water at 25 °C.
Nanoscale Adv., 2026,8, 1725-1738
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NA00678C
Endovascular administration and magnetic retention of nanocapsules for improved brain delivery in large cerebral vascular models
Endovascular brain delivery and magnetic retention of nanocapsules for improved focal delivery.
Nanoscale, 2026,18, 3669-3681
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR03429A
Esterification synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticle tracers for magnetic particle imaging (MPI)
Esterification of iron oleate with oleyl alcohol is an alternative synthesis method for producing iron oxide tracers for magnetic particle imaging (MPI).
Nanoscale, 2026,18, 2625-2640
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR03157E
Size effects in magnetic separation for rapid and efficient bacteria removal
Porous magnetic nanoparticles show pronounced size-dependent effects on bacterial removal, providing guidance for designing effective magnetic adsorbents.
Nanoscale, 2026,18, 1433-1444
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR03699B
Enhancing colloidal stability of anisotropic magnetic nanodiscs through mesoporous silica and P(NIPAM/MAA) copolymer coatings
We present an optimization procedure to obtain a more stable colloidal dispersion of magnetic nanodiscs in aqueous environments. A pathway to obtain silica covered magnetite nanodiscs and their subsequent coating with a polymer is described.
Nanoscale, 2026,18, 307-317
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR03822G
Ligand-controlled Fe3O4 nanoparticles as reusable adsorbents for dye removal in the chemical recycling of coloured polyester textiles
Magnetically retrievable hydrophobic-ligand Fe3O4 nanoadsorbents rapidly decolorize PET depolymerization products, enabling recovery of high-purity monomer.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 28023-28032
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR03835A
Magnetic nanoparticles as transducers for quick and direct virus detection in clinical samples
Innovative strategies for the rapid diagnosis of viral infections at primary medical assistance are actually of significant relevance. Images supplied by Servier Medical Art, licensed under CCBY4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 27308-27318
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR02153G
Micromagnetic structure of oxidized magnetite nanoparticles: sharp structural versus diffuse magnetic interface
The oxidation of magnetite to maghemite is a naturally occurring process that leads to the degradation of the magnetic properties of magnetite nanoparticles.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 26203-26213
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR02700D
Biodegradable PBAT@CoFe2O4 foils as magnetically active photothermal materials for smart surface heating
Our study is devoted to the development, physicochemical characterization, and NIR energy conversion to heat of biodegradable PBAT@CoFe2O4 composite foil fabricated via the solvent evaporation casting technique.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 25105-25119
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR02710A
Influence of coprecipitation synthesis parameters on the physicochemical properties and biological effects of iron oxide nanoparticles
Investigation of coprecipitation parameters on IONP physicochemistry and bioactivity.
Nanoscale Adv., 2025,7, 7395-7407
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NA00632E
Room-temperature acetone gas sensing using Sm-doped Co–Zn ferrite nanoparticles: role of mesoporosity and oxygen vacancies in enhancing sensor response
The study presents the synthesis, structural characterization, and acetone gas sensing by nanocrystalline Co–Zn–Sm ferrites (CZSmF) with the general formula Co0.7Zn0.3SmxFe2−xO4 (x = 0–0.04), synthesized via the sol–gel auto-combustion method.
Nanoscale Adv., 2025,7, 7259-7272
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NA00631G
Palladium-containing magnetic UiO-66–NH2 as a highly powerful and recoverable nanocatalyst for the reduction of nitrobenzenes
A novel magnetic MCM-41@UiO-66 nanocomposite supported Schiff-base/Pd complex (Fe3O4@MCM-41@UiO-66/SB–Pd) is prepared, characterized and used as a powerful and highly recoverable nanocatalyst in the reduction of nitrobenzenes under mild conditions.
Nanoscale Adv., 2025,7, 7246-7258
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NA00543D
Dual field magnetic separation for improved size fractionation of magnetic nanoparticles
A dual-field magnetic separation method that significantly enhances size fractionation of magnetic nanoparticles, compared to conventional gradient-based methods.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 23958-23970
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR02659H
Polyoxazoline functionalized magnetic spinel iron oxide nanoparticles for efficient removal of pharmaceuticals and heavy metal ions from water
Novel hybrid Fe3O4 superparamagnetic nanoparticles with polyoxazoline coatings enable the selective adsorption of pollutants and heavy metals, offering a refined and versatile solution for cutting-edge water purification. Graphical abstract background via Canva.com.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 23425-23435
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR02457A
Effects of static electric field and temperature on the dynamic dielectric responses of mixed oil-based and bilayer-stabilised magnetic fluids
Dissipation factor as a function of frequency for NF 4323, NF 4325, and NF 4328 magnetic fluids.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 22927-22939
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR02856F
Proximity effects, exchange bias and magnetic relaxation in γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles
Carbon-encapsulated γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit emerging magnetic proximity effects together with a robust exchange-bias.
Nanoscale Adv., 2025,7, 6491-6503
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NA00493D
Insights into the formation of free radicals using metal ferrite nanocatalysts (MFe2O4, M = Fe, Mn, Zn, Co) prepared by a highly reproducible microwave-assisted polyol method
A microwave-assisted polyol method yielded metal ferrite nanocatalysts with >95% reproducibility. EPR analysis revealed that Mn promotes ˙OOH formation, Zn suppresses ROS formation via passivation, and acetate buffer masks radical detection.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 19182-19195
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR02101D
Solution synthesis of antiferromagnetic manganese nanoparticles
Highly electrophilic Mn(0) nanoparticles were synthesized via an organometallic approach. Their magnetic properties indicate antiferromagnetic behaviour, while solution NMR studies unveiled the dynamic nature of weakly coordinated surface ligands.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 18702-18708
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR01515D
A magnetic hybrid sol–gel ionic network catalyst for direct alcohol esterification under solvent-free conditions
A cross-linked magnetic acidic poly(ionic liquid) network with a high ionic content as an efficient, water-tolerant, and recyclable catalyst for direct esterification.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 18161-18172
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR02432C
About this collection
Guest edited by Professors Nguyễn T. K. Thanh (University College London, United Kingdom), Teresa Pellegrino (Italian Institute of Technology, Italy), Ali Abou-Hassan (Sorbonne University, France), Anna Cristina S. Samia (Case Western Reserve University, United States), Olivier Sandre (University of Bordeaux, France) and Lise-Marie Lacroix (Toulouse University, France).
Magnetic nanoparticles are a class of materials that exhibit unique superparamagnetic properties due to their nanoscale size and high surface-to-volume ratio. The synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles is central to their widespread use, with several methods developed over the years to produce them in a controlled, reproducible manner. One of the most well-known and widely adopted methods is the alkaline co-precipitation method developed by Prof. René Massart in the early 1980s. Originally conducted in water (though it can be adapted to a dispersed state in less polar media), it is a widely used, cost-effective technique for synthesizing magnetic nanoparticles, especially iron oxide (magnetite and maghemite), as well as other spinel-structured metal oxides (e.g., cobalt, manganese, and zinc ferrites). Known for its simplicity, up-scalability, and ability to relatively control particle size and magnetic properties, the Massart process is extensively employed for producing nanomaterials for in biomedical, environmental, and industrial applications due to its efficiency and versatility in producing large quantities of tailored nanoparticles.
This themed collection aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the advances in the field of magnetic nanoparticle research, by covering its different facets ranging from rational design of synthesis processes to improved properties dispersion states, and end applications. In tribute to René Massart, this collection will cover various aspects of magnetic nanoparticles.