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Synthesis, characterization and bioavailability of ferric phosphate nanoparticles
Author(s) -
Zimmermann Michael,
Rohner Fabian,
Ernst Frank,
Biebinger Ralf,
Ehrensperger Frank,
Pratsinis Sotiris,
Hurrell Richard
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.21.6.a1113-c
Subject(s) - bioavailability , solubility , ferric , phosphate , nanoparticle , chemistry , particle size , absorption (acoustics) , nuclear chemistry , pyrolysis , iron phosphate , materials science , inorganic chemistry , organic chemistry , nanotechnology , bioinformatics , composite material , biology
Background Particle size is a determinant of Fe absorption from poorly‐soluble Fe compounds. Decreasing the particle size of metallic Fe added to foods increases Fe absorption. Objective To develop and characterize nanoparticles of ferric phosphate and to determine their bioavailability in rats. Design Amorphous FePO 4 nanopowders with spherical structure were synthesized by flame spray pyrolysis. They were characterized and compared to commercially available FePO 4 and FeSO 4 , including measurements of specific surface area (SSA), in‐vitro solubility, and relative bioavailability to FeSO 4 (RBV) in rats. In the latter, their potential toxicity was assessed. Results The commercial ‘large’ FePO 4 and the ‘medium’ and ‘small’ FePO 4 produced by flame spray pyrolysis had the following characteristics, respectively: SSA: 32.6, 68.6, 194.7 m 2 /g; solubility after 30 min at pH 1: 73, 79 and 85% of FeSO 4 ; and RBV, 61, 70 and 96%. There were no indications of toxicity. Conclusion Nanoparticles of FePO 4 have a solubility and RBV similar to FeSO 4 . Reducing poorly‐soluble Fe compounds to nanoscale may increase their potential value for human nutrition.