Preparation of iron oxide nanoparticles stabilized with biomolecules: Experimental and mechanistic issues

NICOLÁS; SALETA; TROIANI; ZYSLER; LASSALLE; FERREIRA

ACTA BIOMATERIALIA

ELSEVIER SCI LTD

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2013 p. 1 - 5

1742-7061

Nanoparticles (NPs) with magnetic properties based on magnetite (Fe3O4, MAG) modified with oleic acid(OA), chitosan (CS) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) have been prepared. A versatile method of synthesiswas employed, involving two steps: (i) co-precipitation of MAG; and (ii) nanoprecipitation of macromoleculeson as-formed MAG NPs. Experimental variables have been explored to determine the set of conditionsthat ensure suitable properties of NPs in terms of their size, functionality and magneticproperties. It was found that the presence of OA in Fe+2/Fe+3 solutions yields MAG NPs with lower aggregationlevels, while increasing initial amounts of OA may change the capability of NPs to disperse in aqueousor organic media by modifying the stabilization mechanism. Incorporation of CS was verified throughFourier transform IR spectroscopy. This biopolymer stabilizes NPs by electrostatic repulsions leading tostable ferrofluids and minimal fraction of recoverable solid NPs. BSA was successfully added to NP formulations,increasing their functionality and probably their biocompatibility. In this case too stable ferrofluidswere obtained, where BSA acts as a polyelectrolyte. From the proposed methodology it is possible toachieve a wide range of NPs magnetically active intended for several applications. The required propertiesmay be obtained by varying experimental conditions. 2012 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reser