Nature Driven Magnetic Nanoarchitectures

Magnetotactic bacteria are aquatic microorganisms that have the ability to align in the geomagnetic field lines, using a chain of magnetic nanoparticles biomineralized internally (called magnetosomes) as a compass needle. Here we describe the biogenesis of magnetosomes, focusing in the formation of the mineral core. We then discuss the magnetic properties of the magnetosomes and the chain of magnetosomes, a natural paradigm of a magnetic 1D nanostructure. Finally, we review the use of magnetosomes and magnetotactic bacteria in biomedical and biotechnological applications, with special mention to the application in magnetic hyperthermia treatments.