Magnetic Nanoparticles (MNPs) based on iron oxides are widely used in various fields of science and technology, such as catalysis, biomedicine, food safety monitoring, environmental remediation, and energy. There are various methods to obtain Mnps, including coprecipitation, thermal decomposition, solvothermal, hydrothermal, and others. The magnetic properties of the particles depend on their size, so each application of MNPs requires an optimal particle size.

MNPs with a magnetic core of 5-20 nm can be used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or magnetic particle imaging (MPI), as well as for heat induction in hyperthermic therapy. MNPs are also used for cell labeling, tracking, and separation in biological applications. Iron oxide nanoparticles, specifically magnetite, maghemite, and ferrites, are commonly used due to their magnetic properties, low toxicity, and biocompatibility.

Coating MNPs with a shell is important for biomedical applications as it stabilizes the particles, improves their stability in the body, and enhances biocompatibility, biokinetics, and biodistribution. The shell can also absorb drugs for use in drug delivery systems. Stimuli-responsive coatings, able to release drugs under specific conditions, are frequently used. MNPs with slow-dissolving shells can serve as sustained-release drug delivery vehicles.

Glycerol, a biocompatible and biodegradable polyhydric alcohol, can be used as a coating for MNPs. Iron glycerolate-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized. Metal glycerolates are commonly used in various energy technologies and biomedical applications. In previous research, individual iron(III) monoglycerolate and bioactive silicon-iron glycerolate hydrogel were synthesized and characterized.

This study aimed to develop a method for synthesizing nanocomposites based on Fe3O4 MNPs with a shell of Fe(III) glycerolate or mixed Fe/Si glycerolates. The chemical composition and hydrolysis of the shells were evaluated, and the cytotoxicity of the synthesized nanocomposites was studied in vitro.

In the synthesis process, core-shell MNPs were obtained by heating the initial MNPs in glycerol. Two types of modified nanoparticles were synthesized: MNPs 1 with Fe(III) glycerolate shell and MNPs 2 with Fe(III)/Si glycerolate shell. The average size of the nanoparticles was 10 nm for MNPs 1 and 13 nm for MNPs 2. The cores consisted mainly of magnetite, confirmed by electron diffraction patterns.

In conclusion, nanocomposites based on Fe3O4 MNPs with Fe(III) glycerolate or mixed Fe/Si glycerolate shells were synthesized and characterized. The nanoparticles exhibited a core-shell structure, and the thickness of the glycerolate shells was determined. Further studies on the properties and applications of these nanocomposites are needed.

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