One-step ligand exchange and switching from hydrophobic to water-stable hydrophilic superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles by mechanochemical milling†
Abstract
We describe a simple, rapid methodology for the synthesis of water-stable iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) compatible with a variety of aqueous buffers, based on mechanochemical milling exchange of covalently bound surface ligands on pre-fabricated oleic acid-protected IONPs. Application of milling for IONP ligand exchange eliminates steps required for transforming hydrophobic into negatively charged, water-soluble superparamagnetic IONPs.
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