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Preparation of albumin–ferrite superparamagnetic nanoparticles using reverse micelles
Author(s) -
Bellusci Mariangela,
La Barbera Aurelio,
Seralessandri Luca,
Padella Franco,
Piozzi Antonella,
Varsano Francesca
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
polymer international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.592
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1097-0126
pISSN - 0959-8103
DOI - 10.1002/pi.2642
Subject(s) - superparamagnetism , materials science , nanoparticle , chemical engineering , composite number , glutaraldehyde , micelle , ferrite (magnet) , magnetic nanoparticles , polymer , nanotechnology , composite material , chromatography , chemistry , organic chemistry , magnetization , aqueous solution , physics , quantum mechanics , magnetic field , engineering
Abstract BACKGROUND: Micellar systems are widely applied as reactors to encapsulate inorganic nanoparticles in polymeric materials. However, only low inorganic contents and microscale dimensions are often achieved. RESULTS: The adsorption of albumin protein on ferrite nanoparticles permits to increase the stability of inorganic dispersions in water by inhibiting particle flocculation. Subsequent glutaraldehyde addition induces protein crosslinking and ferrite entrapment. Polymer–ferrite composite nanoparticles were obtained in this way. The magnetic albumin nanoparticles (25 nm mean diameter) obtained contain about 40 wt% of ferrite and show superparamagnetic behaviour. The composite powder was successfully functionalized with a model drug and the biological activity was evaluated. CONCLUSION: Using a reverse micelle approach, ferrite–albumin composite nanoparticles with a high inorganic content were obtained. The method permits the formulation of biocompatible magnetic particles of nanoscale dimensions. The exhibited superparamagnetic behaviour permits to hypothesize an application of the powder composite as a carrier in biomedical technologies. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry