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Supraparticles from Cubic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Polymer Encapsulation, Functionalization, and Magnetic
Lea R Klauke1, Michael Kampferbeck1, Malte Holzapfel2
1Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Grindelallee 117, 20146 Hamburg, Germany.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|October 18, 2024
Summary
Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were assembled into supraparticles (SPs) and coated with polymer shells using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). This enables precise tuning of shell thickness and functionalization for biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are crucial for biomedical applications and magnetic separation.
- Polymer shells enhance SPION stability and enable biomolecule functionalization.
- Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) offers controlled polymer growth on nanoparticle surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for assembling cubic SPIONs into supraparticles (SPs) with controlled sizes.
- To encapsulate these SPs with polymer shells using AGET ATRP for tunable functionalization.
- To investigate the effect of SPION assembly and polymer shell properties on magnetic behavior.
Main Methods:
- Emulsion-based assembly of cubic SPIONs (12-30 nm) into SPs (200-400 nm) using DTAB surfactant.
- Surface-grafted polystyrene shell formation via activators generated by electron transfer (AGET) ATRP.
- Functionalization of polymer shells with azide and carboxylate groups using monomer blends.
Main Results:
- Well-defined spherical SPs were formed by precise control of mixing methods and surfactant concentration.
- Tunable shell thickness and interparticle distances were achieved by varying monomer amounts.
- Cubic SPIONs formed less ordered assemblies within SPs compared to spherical SPIONs.
- Encapsulated SPs retained superparamagnetic behavior with tunable saturation magnetization (10-30 emu/g).
Conclusions:
- Emulsion-based assembly and AGET ATRP provide a versatile platform for creating functionalized SPION supraparticles.
- The developed method allows for precise control over SP size, shell properties, and magnetic characteristics.
- These engineered supraparticles hold significant promise for advanced biomedical applications and magnetic separation technologies.
