Magnetic Force Microscopy and Magnetic Nanoparticles: Perspectives and Challenges

Among the various techniques for the characterization of magnetic NPs, magnetic force microscopy (MFM) represent one of the most widespread and versatile methods due to its lateral resolution, sensitivity, imaging capability, the need for a relatively simple and widespread experimental setup, minimal/no specific requirements about sample preparations, capability to operate in air at room conditions as well as in vacuum or liquid environment. Indeed, MFM enables the quantitative characterization of magnetic properties of single magnetic NPs, can be used to detect single magnetic NPs in nonmagnetic (e.g., polymeric or biological) matrices, as well as to perform mechanical or magnetic nanomanipulation of single NPs. In this chapter, applications of MFM in the study of magnetic NPs are briefly reviewed and intriguing perspectives are depicted, focusing on current limitations to overcome and challenges to take up.