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We demonstrate fluorescent Fe embedded magnetic nanodiamonds by ion implantation and two-step annealing. The diamond characteristics with a highly ordered core and a graphite surface layer are maintained after the implantation process. After the two-step annealing process, a bright red fluorescence associated with nitrogen-vacancy centers is observed. These new fluorescent magnetic nanodiamonds can be used as a dual-function in vivo tracer with both optical visibility and magnetic resonance imaging capabilities. They are potentially useful for the more advanced in vivo biological and medical applications.

Ion implantation is used to create nanodiamonds (NDs) with embedded magnetic ions for use in a wide range of biological and medical applications; however, the effectiveness of this process depends heavily on separating magnetic NDs from nonmagnetic ones. In this study, we use secondary ion mass spectrometry to verify the implantation of magnetic ions in NDs and the success of separation. When applied to a series of NDs with embedded iron or manganese ions, the sorting tool used in this study proved highly effective in selecting magnetic NDs. Besides, multienergy ion implantation and precise thickness control of NDs coating on the silicon wafer were suggested to improve this technology.

Boron neutron capture therapy is a powerful anti-cancer treatment, the success of which depends heavily on the boron delivery agent. Enabling the real-time tracing of delivery agents as they move through the body is crucial to the further development of boron neutron therapy. In this study, we fabricate highly bio-compatible boron-10 embedded nanodiamonds using physical ion implantation in conjunction with a two-step annealing process. The red fluorescence of the nanodiamonds allows their use in fluorescence microscopy and in vivo imaging systems, thereby making it possible to conduct tracking in real time. The proposed fluorescent boron-10 embedded nanodiamonds, combining optical visibility and boron-10 transport capability, are a promising boron delivery agent suitable for a wide range of biomedical applications.