Used in biomedical applications such as targeted drug delivery, where the silica coating allows for easy functionalization with drugs or targeting ligands while preventing aggregation and enhancing biocompatibility. Employed in magnetic separation techniques to isolate DNA, RNA, or specific proteins from complex mixtures due to the high surface area and reversible binding capabilities. Applied in diagnostic imaging as contrast agents in MRI, benefiting from the superparamagnetic properties and reduced toxicity. Utilized in catalysis as recoverable catalyst supports, enabling easy separation from reaction mixtures using an external magnetic field. Also found in environmental remediation for removal of heavy metals or pollutants from water through adsorption and subsequent magnetic retrieval.