EDTA-Na₃ functionalized Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles: grafting density control for MRSA eradication

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Post-synthesis ligand exchange for nanoparticle functionalization is often complex.
• Developing biocompatible and stable nanoparticles is crucial for biomedical applications.
• Iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4) offer unique magnetic properties for various applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simplified synthesis strategy for EDTA-Na3 functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles.
• To control the grafting density of EDTA-Na3 on the nanoparticle surface.
• To investigate the stability and potential biomedical applications of the functionalized nanoparticles.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles followed by surface functionalization with EDTA-Na3.
• Controlled addition of EDTA-Na3 during synthesis to vary grafting density (0.07–0.37 μmol m-2).
• Characterization using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Mössbauer spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• Successful surface functionalization of Fe3O4 nanoparticles with EDTA-Na3 was confirmed.
• Mössbauer spectroscopy indicated covalent bonding between Fe ions and EDTA-Na3, forming Fe-EDTA monomers and dimers.
• Earliest addition of EDTA-Na3 resulted in the most stable nanoparticle dispersion in water and PBS for over a month.

Conclusions:

• A simplified and effective method for synthesizing stable, biocompatible EDTA-Na3 functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles was established.
• The functionalized nanoparticles exhibit potential for applications in magnetic hyperthermia.
• These nanoparticles show promise for the eradication of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) under an AC magnetic field.