Microwave-assisted synthesis of a biocompatible polyacid-conjugated Fe3O4 superparamagnetic hybrid

Abstract

A rapid microwave-assisted method was developed for the facile synthesis of a polyacid-conjugated Fe₃O₄ superparamagnetic hybrid. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric and magnetic measurements, and a cytotoxicity assay were used to characterize the morphologies, structures, compositions and properties of the polyacid-conjugated Fe₃O₄ superparamagnetic hybrid. The hybrid is composed of superparamagnetic magnetite nanograins and presents a cluster-like structure; and its size range can be tuned from about 100 to 400 nm by varying the amount of FeCl₃ in the system. The hybrid not only exhibits excellent magnetic properties, good biocompatibility, and high water-dispersibility, but also facilitates further coupling interaction with some guest molecules because of the abundant existence of uncoordinated carboxylate groups on its surface.