Used in biomedical applications such as targeted drug delivery, where the silica coating allows for easy functionalization with drugs or biomolecules while preventing aggregation of magnetic cores. Commonly employed in diagnostic assays and biosensors due to their ability to separate and concentrate analytes in magnetic separation techniques. Applied in wastewater treatment to remove heavy metals or organic pollutants through magnetic retrieval after adsorption. Utilized in catalysis as magnetically recoverable supports, enabling easy catalyst separation and reuse. Also found in imaging technologies, particularly as contrast agents in MRI when properly functionalized.