Biocompatible magnetic fluid precursors based on aspartic and glutamic acid modified maghemite nanostructures

Biocompatible magnetic fluid precursors based on chemically modified maghemite nanostructures (gamma -Fe2O3) are able to chemisorb aspartic and glutamic acids, as shown by conductometric measurements. The amino acids adsorb onto the maghemite surface following an adsorption isotherm. The modified nanoparticles formed a stable colloidal solution at a pH of 5-8. Raman and FTIR spectroscopy directly showed that the investigated amino acids adsorb on the maghemite surface in the form of their respective salts, glutamate and aspartate. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.