Microwave-assisted synthesis of a biocompatible polyacid-conjugated Fe3O4 superparamagnetic hybrid

A rapid microwave-assisted method was developed for the facile synthesis of a polyacid-conjugated Fe3O4 superparamagnetic hybrid. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric and magnetic measurements, and a cytotoxicity assay were used to characterize the morphologies, structures, compositions and properties of the polyacid-conjugated Fe3O4 superparamagnetic hybrid. The hybrid is composed of superparamagnetic magnetite nanograins and presents a cluster-like structure; and its size range can be tuned from about 100 to 400 nm by varying the amount of FeCl3 in the system. The hybrid not only exhibits excellent magnetic properties, good biocompatibility, and high water-dispersibility, but also facilitates further coupling interaction with some guest molecules because of the abundant existence of uncoordinated carboxylate groups on its surface.