Cells are grown in 3D culture and topological features obtained by photomicrography are correlated to cell viability and cell interactions.

Cells are grown in 3D culture and topological features obtained by photomicrography are correlated to cell viability and cell cell interactions.

Cells are grown in 3D culture and topological features obtained by photomicrography are correlated to cell viability and cell interactions.

Anisotropic magnetothermal nanoparticles and methods for making the same are disclosed. The anisotropic magnetothermal nanoparticle may include a core and a shell. The core may include hexagonal nanodisc hematite (Fe.sub.2O.sub.3). The shell may include A.sub.xFe.sub.3-xO.sub.4, where A=Co, Mn, Ni, Fe, Zn, Mg, or Cu. The anisotropic magnetothermal nanoparticle may also include a polymer coating.

Microspheres, populations of microspheres, and methods for forming microspheres are provided. One microsphere configured to exhibit fluorescent and magnetic properties includes a core microsphere and a magnetic material coupled to a surface of the core microsphere. About 50% or less of the surface of the core microsphere is covered by the magnetic material. The microsphere also includes a polymer layer surrounding the magnetic material and the core microsphere. One population of microspheres configured to exhibit fluorescent and magnetic properties includes two or more subsets of microspheres. The two or more subsets of microspheres are configured to exhibit different fluorescent and/or magnetic properties. Individual microspheres in the two or more subsets are configured as described above.