According to one embodiment, a multi-layer magnetic nanoparticle includes a core; a first magnetic layer deposited on a surface of the core; a second magnetic layer deposited on a surface of the first magnetic layer, and a third magnetic layer deposited on a surface of the second magnetic layer. The core, the first magnetic layer, the second magnetic layer, and the third magnetic layer comprise different magnetic anisotropies and/or saturation magnetizations with respect to each other.