Speaker
Description
Magnetic nanoflowers (MNFs), characterized by high intrinsic magnetic losses and elevated specific absorption rates under clinically relevant alternating magnetic fields, represent promising candidates for magnetic hyperthermia applications [1]. In this work, we present a versatile and scalable platform for the fabrication of dynamic, field-responsive microstructures based on MNFs via a flexible, low-cost, and template-free self-assembly strategy. This approach is governed by tunable interparticle interactions, external magnetic fields, and spatial confinement [2].
By systematically controlling parameters such as ionic strength, particle surface charge, particle concentration, and interfacial coverage, MNFs spontaneously assemble in aqueous media into a wide range of architectures, including magnetic micropillars, microfilaments, and two-dimensional assemblies. Low ionic strength conditions promote reversible aggregation, whereas intermediate salt concentrations favor the formation of stable, irreversible structures. The resulting architectures exhibit tunable size, geometry, and dynamic behavior, enabling complex field-induced responses such as cilia-like oscillations, rotational motion, and torque-driven fragmentation of micropillars into swarming microfilaments.
Overall, this work establishes practical design principles for the template-free fabrication of biomimetic magnetic microarchitectures with controllable dimensionality (1D and 2D) and dynamic functionality, highlighting their potential in microfluidic systems and bio-microrobotic applications.
[1] García-Soriano, P. Milán-Rois, N. Lafuente-Gómez, C. Rodríguez-Díaz, C. Navío, Á. Somoza and G. Salas, «Multicore iron oxide nanoparticles for magnetic hyperthermia and combination therapy against cancer cells,» Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 670, 73-85, 2024.
[2] Landi C, Pérez-Garrido R, Cuenca JM, Tajuelo J, Valeriani C, Gavilán H, Martínez-Pedrero F. Template-free fabrication of reconfigurable magnetic micropillars and filaments through controlled nanoflower assembly and actuation. J Colloid Interface Sci. 2026;140294.
