Hybrid magnetic and antibacterial nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization and applications

Abstract

Recently, the preparation of hybrid nanostructured materials represents a promisor strategy in the development of new platforms to obtain versatile nanomaterials with different characteristics and functions in a single structure. Superparamagnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles has been receiving huge attention in the last few years, due to its biomedical applications versatility such as diagnoses, magnetic resonance imaging, cancer treatment, controlled drug delivery, among others. Likewise, silver nanoparticles (Ag) show powerful antibacterial action and are employed in the food, textile, pharmaceutical and agricultural industries. In this context, this project aims the synthesis and characterization of Fe3O4/Ag, involving chemical and biogenic synthesis, being: (i) superparamagnetic and (ii) antibacterial. The application of an external magnetic field can also be used to remove these nanoparticles from the medium of interest, this action implies in the nanoparticles reuse in biomedical applications, as well on the proper removal from the environment. To improve nanoparticles antibacterial action, besides improving its aqueous dispersion and biocompatibility, the surface of the Fe3O4/Ag will be coated with chitosan, a natural biocompatible, biodegradable and antimicrobial polymer. Furthermore, the coating with chitosan nanoparticles enable the incorporation of nitric oxide donors, well known for its antibacterial properties. Therefore, this project includes the preparation of hybrid, magnetic and antimicrobial nanoparticles, using chemical and biogenic methods with great potential to biomedical applications. (AU)