Ultrafine Highly Magnetic Fluorescent δ-Fe₂O₃/NCD Nanocomposites for Neuronal Manipulations

In this work, we describe a low-cost, two-step synthesis of composites of nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (NCDs) with γ-Fe₂O₃ (NCDs/γ-Fe₂O₃), which is based on a hydrothermal cum co-precipitation method. The product is a fine powder of particles having an average diameter of 9 ± 3 nm. The physical and chemical properties of NCDs/γ-Fe₂O₃ were studied, as well as the superconducting quantum interference device and Mossbauer analysis of the magnetic properties of these nanocomposites. The interaction of NCDs/γ-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposites with neuron-like cells was examined, showing efficient uptake and low toxicity. Our research demonstrates the use of the nanocomposites for imaging and for controlling the cellular motility. The NCDs/γ-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposites are promising because of their biocompatibility, photostability, and potential selective affinity, paving the way for multifunctional biomedical applications.