Evaluation of physico-chemical properties and biocompatibility of new surface functionalized Fe_3O_4 clusters of nanoparticles

摘要

In this research, magnetic nanoclusters of Fe3O4 (MNC) were synthesized by solvothermal method using different organic acids as surfactants such malic acid, aspartic acid and sodium tartrate in order to obtain new nanostructured materials with applications in medicine. The interaction process of these acids on the surface of magnetic nanoclusters is important in understanding the change induced on the surface properties of the obtained MNC. Structural analysis and physico-chemical characterization of the new synthesized materials were performed by means o X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential and magnetic measurements to provide their spherical shape, stability and specific functional groups and the influence of the surfactants on their magnetic properties. XPS core level and valence band photoemission spectra for all investigated samples is discussed in terms of changes induced in the electronic structure linked to variation of the Fe2+ cations at the samples surface. This is of fundamental importance to better understand the electronic structure and magnetism of the obtained MNC in order to tailor their electronic properties by surface engineering for specific biomedical applications. The biological effects of MNC in rat blood were studied by hemolysis and erythrocyte antioxidant systems (superoxide dismutase and catalase) showing no negative effect on the cells.