Abstract
Polymers containing magnetic properties play an important role in biomedical therapies, such as embolotherapy or hyperthermia, for their differentiated properties. In this work, magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were synthesized by the coprecipitation method and dispersed into a thermoplastic matrix of poly(vinyl pivalate) through an emulsion polymerization process. The main goal was the individual encapsulation of magnetite nanoparticles to improve the magnetic response of the magneto-polymeric materials using polymerizable carboxylic acids as coating agents, minimizing the leaching of nanoparticles throughout the nanocomposite formation. For this purpose, synthesized magnetite had its surface modified by acrylic acid or methacrylic acid to improve its individual encapsulation during the polymerization step, thus generating a series of magnetic nanocomposite materials containing different amounts of magnetite intended for biomedical applications. X-ray diffractometry and TEM measurements provided a mean size of approximately 8 nm for the pure magnetite nanoparticles and a spherical morphology. Acid-functionalized Fe3O4 had a size of approximately 6 nm, while the nanocomposites showed a size of approximately 7 nm. Magnetization measurement provided a saturation magnetization value of approximately 75 emu/g and confirmed superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature. DSC analysis showed a glass transition temperature of 65 °C for poly(vinyl pivalate)-based nanocomposites. The tests realized with homopolymer and magnetic composites against different cell lineages (i.e., fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and human melanoma) to evaluate the levels of cytotoxicity showed good results in the different exposure times and concentrations used, since the obtained results showed cell viability greater than 70% compared to the control group, suggesting that the synthesized materials are very promising for medical applications.
Highlights
Iron is one of the most abundant elements in the Earth’s crust and is important in several metabolic processes in the human body
To improve stability and dispersion into the polymer matrices, a surface modification was necessary; this is an essential step for the synthesis of magneto-polymeric materials through emulsion polymerization to guarantee a better compatibilization between vinyl pivalate and magnetic nanoparticles
Since it is important to know how nanoparticles behave in living organisms, in terms of viability and toxicity against cells, knowing the acceptable levels of materials at the cellular level helps in determining the quantities that can be administered during applications of these materials in living organisms
Summary
Iron is one of the most abundant elements in the Earth’s crust and is important in several metabolic processes in the human body. To get around this difficulty, functionalization with several compounds is used including polymers and carboxylic acids [3] This procedure of dispersing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in polymeric matrices generates a series of interesting features for biomedical applications, among which include [4,5] (i) an increased compatibility with organic matrices, (ii) a reduced tendency to leach, (iii) protection of the particle surface against oxidation processes, among others. To improve stability and dispersion into the polymer matrices, a surface modification was necessary; this is an essential step for the synthesis of magneto-polymeric materials through emulsion polymerization to guarantee a better compatibilization between vinyl pivalate and magnetic nanoparticles In this work, this was made using acrylic acid and methacrylic acid to modify the surface of magnetite nanoparticles after the coprecipitation process
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
