Recent Advances in Synthesis, Medical Applications and Challenges for Gold-Coated Iron Oxide: Comprehensive Study

Combining iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPs) and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) in one nanostructure is a promising technique for various applications. Fe₃O₄ NPs have special supermagnetic attributes that allow them to be applied in different areas, and Au NPs stand out in biomaterials due to their oxidation resistance, chemical stability, and unique optical properties. Recent studies have generally defined the physicochemical properties of nanostructures without concentrating on a particular formation strategy. This detailed review provides a summary of the latest research on the formation strategy and applications of Fe₃O₄@Au. The diverse methods of synthesis of Fe₃O₄@Au NPs with different basic organic and inorganic improvements are introduced. The role and applicability of Au coating on the surface of Fe₃O₄ NPs schemes were explored. The 40 most relevant publications were identified and reviewed. The versatility of combining Fe₃O₄@Au NPs as an option for medical application is proven in catalysis, hyperthermia, biomedical imaging, drug delivery and protein separation.