Characterization Of Magnetic Nanoparticles Research Articles

Synthesis and characterization of magnetic nanoparticles decorated by carbon layers acting as defenders against bacterial infectious agents

High stability magnetic nanocomposites wrapped by carbon layers were efficiently synthesized using electrical arc powered by single arc unit. This is sufficient to ionize the nickel, and carbon electrodes immersed in distilled water through applying strong electric field between carbon rotatory cathode and nickel anode. Nickle decorated by carbon (Ni@C) nanocomposite was fully characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM), UV/Visible Spectrophotometer (UV), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Particle size analyzer (PZ), Zeta potential, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Ni particle was spherical with average size equals to 17 nm wrapped by carbon where its energy band gap values were 2.84 for C, and 3.36 eV for Ni. The estimated phase percentage of nickel was 64.8 % which is higher than the percentage of carbon layers that's donating the sample the observed high stability of zeta potential was found to be 26.4 mV. The saturation magnetization (Ms) and coercivity (Hc) examined were 10.624 emu/g and 80.648 G, respectively. The antibacterial effect of the synthesized nanocomposites was tested against standard ATCC (American Type Colony Collection) strains namely Pseudomonas aeruginosa 27853, Proteus mirabilis 35659, Proteus vurgalis 13315, Klebsiella pneumoniae 13883, and Staphylococcus epidermidis 12228. Proteus vurgalis 13315 was the most resistant strain which wasn't completely eradicated after 24 h incubation with the prepared nanoparticles. Further assessments through confocal microscope and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation percentage were done to predict the possible antibacterial mechanism of the synthesized nanocomposite. Ultimately, the combined influence of nickel ions and carbon in the prepared Ni@C nanocomposite results in the suppression of bacterial respiration and the induction of oxidative stress, ultimately leading to bacterial cell death.

Optimization of magnetic properties of MnFe2O4 by modulating molarity of NaOH as precipitating agent

Abstract MnFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized using the co-precipitation method with a wide range of molar concentrations of sodium hydroxide 0.76 M−3.0 M. X-ray diffraction, field effect scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and vibrating sample magne-tometry were employed to characterise the structural, morphological, and magnetic characteristics of nanoparticles. Field effect scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images show that the particles were spherical in shape for all the samples except for sample prepared at a molar concentration of 1.3 M. Particle shape was found to depend on the molar concentration of NaOH. The hysteresis loops of the samples possessed a very small area and low coercivity. The crystallite size (cs), saturation magnetisation, coercivity, retentivity, squareness ratio and anisotropy constant were found to be dependent on the molar concentration on NaOH. M S was noted to be at a maximum of 64.4 emu g−1 at a molar concentration of 1.3 M. The ratio t/cs (where t is the thickness of the dead layer) was calculated to account for the variation in M S. H C was found to be maximum of ∼52 Oe at molar concentrations between 1.0 M and 2.0 M. M r and M r/M S were found to be a maximum of 8.95 emu g−1 and 0.15, respectively, for the molar concentration of 2.0 M.

Synthesis and Characterization of Magnetic Nanoparticles and its Study to Displace Oil from a Hele-Shaw Cell

Introduction:: Oil spill incidents caused by human activities can cause major habitat damage and pose serious threats to all living organisms living on and within sources of water and soil. Finding a solution for oil spills is necessary to protect ecosystems, the environment, and health. Nanotechnology seems to be an interesting tool in many applications, such as soil and water remediation and oil recovery. Nanoparticles are a good alternative since they are not as expensive as chemicals used to remove oil. Objective:: The prime purpose of this research work was the comparison of the additional displacement of sunflower oil from a single fracture using ferrofluids prepared with bare and novel covalent functionalized magnetic nanoparticles. Experiences were performed at constant nanoparticle concentration and variable flow rate and at constant flow rate and variable nanoparticle concentration. The novel ferrofluid stability and its recovery properties related to a low-cost process were explored. Methods:: Tests were carried out by image analysis. Stable ferrofluids were prepared using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and novel covalent functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MSMs). Their ability to displace the residual oil in a single fracture model previously invaded by an aqueous brine solution was tested. A flow channel of a single fracture by a typical transparent Hele-Shaw cell with 12% of its area covered by a random distribution of obstacles was modeled. Oil recovery was performed at three different flow rates: 0.36, 1.80, and 3.60 mL min-1, using relatively low ferrofluid concentrations (0.0125 wt%). Oil recovery was also carried out with MSM ferrofluid at a constant flow rate of 1.80 and 3.60 mL min-1 at different nanoparticle concentrations (0.00625, 0.0125, and 0.025 wt%). Results:: Ferrofluids prepared with MSMs were more effective for oil recovery than those prepared with bare nanoparticles due to their surfactant behavior for all flows studied here. A 7.86% extra percentage of oil was removed after brine flooding. Oil recovery using MSM ferrofluid at a constant flow rate of 1.80 and 3.60 mL min-1 increased linearly with nanoparticle concentration. Magnetic nanoparticles can be efficiently recovered and reused in at least three oil displacements for the fracture model used as covalent functionalization promotes ferrofluids' stability. Conclusion:: The characteristics of the MSM amphiphilic novel coating cause the nanoparticles to be attracted to both water and oil, enhancing oil displacement. These results indicate that this novel material, whose structure stability is related to the covalent bonding of organic coating, can be considered for remediation and oil recovery in fractured media

Design, preparation and characterization of magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with chitosan/Schiff base and their use as a reusable nanocatalyst for the green synthesis of 1H-isochromenes under mild conditions.

In this study, a Schiff base complex magnetic nanocatalyst was designed and prepared. The structure of the Fe3O4@CS-SB-CaMgFe2O4 nanocatalyst was characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy, XRD, VSM, FE-SEM, EDX, elemental mapping, BET, and TGA techniques. The synthesis of 1H-isochromene compounds has attracted the attention of chemists due to their biological and medicinal properties. The 1H-isochromene derivatives were synthesized in the presence of the Fe3O4@CS-SB-CaMgFe2O4 nanocatalyst with excellent efficiency and short reaction time as well as according to the rules of green chemistry. This reaction was carried out using Fe3O4@CS-SB-CaMgFe2O4 as a catalyst to develop a simple method with low activation energy at room temperature under optimal conditions. This catalyst provides a promising route for the synthesis of 1H-isochromene multiple times through its recyclability without significant loss of catalytic activity. This nanocatalyst possesses several advantages, including cost-effectiveness, facile separation, environmental friendliness, and recyclability, for the efficient production of 1H-isochromenes. The obtained compounds were further analyzed using spectroscopic techniques, such as melting point, FT-IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR analyses, to confirm their structures. The spectra of the synthesized compounds were recorded and analyzed, and a plausible mechanism for their synthesis was proposed. The characterization results and structural elucidation provide valuable insights into the preparation of these compounds.

Synthesis and characterization of magnetic nanoparticles via co‐precipitation: Application and assessment in anaerobic digested wastewater

AbstractNanotechnology is a widely applied technology in environmental remediation, medicine, chemical processes and catalysis. The Development and modification of nanoparticles for wastewater treatment via anaerobic digestion have gained much interest over the years. This study synthesized six different magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) via the co‐precipitation method. These MNPs were characterized via scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X‐ray (SEM/EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis. The SEM/EDX, FTIR and XRD affirmed the success of the synthesis of MNPs. The MNPs were furthermore explored to enhance the anaerobic digestion of wastewater to generate biogas. This was done by conducting a biochemical methane potential (BMP) assay, where seven bioreactors were digested for 21 and 30 days at 35°C. In comparison with the control (no MNPs), which had a removal efficiency of <68%, the results showed that the addition of MNPs to the BMP system demonstrated good degradation of >70% chemical oxyggen demand (COD) and turbidity removal efficiencies. There was a 20% increase in methane yield for the BMP setups with MNP additives compared with the control bioreactor.

Synthesis, and Characterization of Magnetic Nano-particles using Opuntia Extract, and its Applications in Wastewater Treatment

Synthesis, and Characterization of Magnetic Nano-particles using Opuntia Extract, and its Applications in Wastewater Treatment

Characterization of Magnetic Nanoparticles from the Shells of Freshwater Mussel L. fortunei and Marine Mussel P. perna

Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were extracted from the shells of freshwater Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker 1857) and marine Perna perna (Linnaeus 1758) mussels, followed by full physical and chemical characterization using ICP-OES, UV–Vis, EDX, Raman, and XRD spectroscopy, VSM magnetometry, and SEM and TEM techniques. Considering their spatial distribution, the ferrimagnetic particles in the shells had low concentration and presented superparamagnetic behavior characteristics of materials of nanometric size. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM, especially HRTEM) indicated round magnetic particles around 100 nm in size, which were found to be aggregates of nanoparticles about 5 nm in size. The TEM data indicated no iron oxide particles at the periostracum layer. Nevertheless, roughly round iron (hydr)oxide nanoparticle aggregates were found in the nacre, namely, the aragonite layer. As the aragonite layer is responsible for more than 97% of the shell of L. fortunei and considering the estimated size of the magnetic nanoparticles, we infer that these particles may be distributed homogeneously throughout the shell.

Field-Swept Magnetic Particle Spectroscopy: A Single-Harmonic Method for Simultaneous Determination of Magnetic Nanoparticle Types and Quantities

Magnetic particle spectroscopy (MPS) allows for highly sensitive and real time characterization of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). When combined with surface-modified MNPs that can specifically bind to biomarkers, MPS can serve as a quantitative biosensing platform and have shown enormous potential in point-of-care diagnosis. To improve diagnostic efficiency and accuracy, the simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers has been studied in MPS, which requires the simultaneous determination of the type and quantity of MNPs. Current methods generally rely on the higher order harmonics (e.g., third to fifth harmonic ratio) of the MNPs’ magnetic responses to the excitation fields, but facing challenges at low concentrations or with small-sized MNPs that are difficult to generate sufficient harmonics. In this paper, we propose a single-harmonic method for simultaneous determination of MNP types and quantities, named field-swept magnetic particle spectroscopy (FS-MPS). An adjustable static magnetic field perpendicular to the alternating magnetic field is introduced and MNPs’ field-dependent response is registered from the static field direction. By comparing simulation results of serval system configurations and the field-swept spectra of different harmonics, we found that the second harmonic component of the MNP signal combines good specificity and robustness with no direct feed-through interference issues. We built the first FS-MPS device and carried out experiments of binary MNP mixtures to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Our experimental results showed that the proposed method has up to 90% accuracy for the simultaneous determination of two types of MNPs with a maximum concentration ratio of 9:1. The proposed method can in principle determine more types of MNPs simultaneously, providing an effective tool for the detection of multiple biomolecular markers.

The Effect of a DC Magnetic Field on the AC Magnetic Properties of Oleic Acid-Coated Fe3O4 Nanoparticles.

The AC magnetic properties of a sample of Fe3O4 nanoparticles coated with oleic acid have been investigated with the help of AC susceptibility measurements. In particular, several DC magnetic fields have been superimposed on the AC field, and their effect on the magnetic response of the sample has been analysed. The results show the presence of a double peak structure in the imaginary component of the complex AC susceptibility measured as a function of the temperature. A preliminary evaluation of the Mydosh parameter for both peaks gives the information that each one of them is associated with a different state of interaction between nanoparticles. The two peaks evolve both in amplitude and position when the intensity of the DC field is changed. The field dependence of the peak position shows two different trends, and it is possible to study them in the framework of the currently existing theoretical models. In particular, a model of non-interacting magnetic nanoparticles has been used to describe the behaviour of the peak at lower temperatures, whereas the behaviour of the peak at higher temperatures has been analysed in the framework of a spin-glass-like model. The proposed analysis technique can be useful for the characterisation of magnetic nanoparticles used in several types of applications, such as biomedical and magnetic fluids.

Preparation of Magnetized Mesenchymal Stem Cells Using Magnetic Liposomes to Enhance Their Retention in Targeted Tissue -Evaluation of Retention and Anti-inflammatory Efficiency in Skeletal Muscle

Magnetic nanoparticle-incorporated liposomes (magnetic liposomes) are considered a promising site-specific drug delivery carrier. Although there are many reports on the development of magnetic liposomes, most of them focus on the characteristics of magnetic nanoparticles, rather than liposomes. Therefore, we first evaluated the effect of the physicochemical properties of magnetic liposomes on their interaction with cells. The highest cellular uptake and retention under a magnetic field was observed using small magnetic cationic liposomes. However, magnetic cationic liposomes exhibited strong cytotoxicity. Based on these results, we constructed complexes of less toxic magnetic anionic liposomes (Mag-AL) and atelocollagen (ATCOL), a biocompatible cationic biomaterial. The cellular associated amount of Mag-AL under a magnetic field was significantly increased when Mag-AL was complexed with ATCOL, and it was comparable to that of magnetic cationic liposomes. Additionally, Mag-AL/ATCOL complexes produced no cytotoxic effect. Moreover, liver accumulation of Mag-AL/ATCOL complexes was significantly increased at a magnetic field-exposed region after intravenous injection in rats. These results indicate that Mag-AL/ATCOL complexes may be a safe and efficient magnetic responsive drug carrier. Next, we applied Mag-AL/ATCOL complexes to prepare magnetized cells for effective cell therapy. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which have the capacity to suppress tissue inflammation, were efficiently magnetized by incubation with Mag-AL/ATCOL complexes under a magnetic field. Intramuscularly injected magnetized MSCs were significantly retained in mouse skeletal muscle in the presence of a magnetic field and modulated tissue inflammatory responses. These results suggest that magnetized MSCs are useful for muscle regeneration.

Multi-frequency hyperthermia characterisation via calorimetry and AC magnetometry measurements

Hyperthermia characterisation of magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) is challenging, with highly variable results reported by different laboratories and large uncertainties associated with the measured values. Here, two experimental methods for probing the heating power of MNP for magnetic field hyperthermia (MFH) therapy are compared. The first technique is calorimetry using a bespoke non-adiabatic system capable of measurements at varying frequencies and intensities of magnetic drive-field. Heat losses during calorimetry were compensated for by incorporating a loss-parameter and fitting process during analysis of the raw measurement data to calculate the sample’s specific loss power (SLP). The second technique was AC magnetometry to measure the sample hysteresis when exposed to drive-fields with variable frequencies and amplitudes. The area of the measured hysteresis loop is used to calculate the SLP. Two distinct commercial magnetic nanoparticle systems (Ferucarbotran and RCL-01) were studied using both measurement techniques at varying drive-field frequencies and intensities. Estimates of the intrinsic loss power (ILP) parameter were made based on detailed analysis of the SLP values for multiple frequencies and intensities for each nanoparticle system and experimental approach. For both nanoparticle systems, the calorimetry technique produced higher estimates of the ILP than the AC magnetometry technique. Despite these variations, the results were encouragingly similar, with all values falling within the calculated uncertainty envelopes and relative differences in the results for the two nanoparticles systems being consistent between the measurement techniques (suggesting systematic errors). Furthermore, the experimentally determined values showed strong agreement with literature. The presented study highlights the potential value of carrying out hyperthermia characterisations with differing drive-field types and measurement methods. This approach can reduce inaccuracies by assisting in identifying outliers and aiding the identification of measurements which fall within the Linear-Response Regime for the given nanoparticle. Thus, the presented approach offers additional security when characterising the ILP of MNP.

A benchtop induction-based AC magnetometer for a fast characterization of magnetic nanoparticles

In this study, we report a development of a benchtop induction-based AC magnetometer to realize a simple, wideband, and sensitive AC magnetometer for bio-sensing applications and characterization of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). We investigate the inductance and parasitic capacitance of six different pickup coil geometries and compare their sensitivity and usable frequency range. In the pickup coil design, the number of turns and coil section separation are varied from 200 to 400 turns, and 1 to 4 sections, respectively. We find that the usable frequency range is greatly affected by the pickup coil’s inductance due to the self-resonance phenomena compared to their parasitic capacitance. A low noise instrument amplifier circuit (AD8429, Analog Devices, USA) was integrated and fabricated on a printed circuit board to amplify the weak signal from the pickup coil. We also implement a generalized Goertzel algorithm to achieve fast signal amplitude and phase extractions at a frequency. The developed magnetometer shows a sensitivity of 10−8 Am2/√Hz at 6 Hz and a frequency range of up to 158 kHz. Using the developed AC magnetometer, we demonstrate the viscosity effect on the frequency response of thermally blocked, single-core nanoparticles (SHP30, Ocean Nanotech, USA) in glycerol solutions. The excitation frequency is swept from 5 Hz to 158 kHz at a field amplitude of 0.55 mTpp within the acquisition time of 5 min (51 points). As a result, the viscosity change is confirmed by the peak shifting in the imaginary magnetization curve towards lower frequency values when the wt/V% of the glycerol solution is increased. The hydrodynamic size and the average anisotropy energy ratio σ are estimated to be 60.6 nm and 25, respectively, from the complex AC magnetization. It can be expected that the developed AC magnetometer can be a valuable tool in providing a fast and reliable assessment of MNPs for bio-sensing applications.

Preparation and characterization of magnetic nanoparticles loaded with antimicrobial agent

Background: Bacterial infections are an important cause of serious health issues worldwide. Various antibacterial drugs have been developed but they have numerous side effects. Development of drug loaded magnetic nanoparticles will help to achieve targeted drug delivery while sustaining the release of drug. It will also enhance its antibacterial activity by using iron oxide. Method: Drug loaded iron oxide nanoparticles were developed to sustain and enhance the antibacterial activity of drug. Chitosan was used as a polymer. The method adopted to prepare magnetic nanoparticles was co-precipitation. Formulated magnetic nanoparticles were tested for drug release, surface morphology, antibacterial activity and FTIR. Results: It was observed from the findings that both formulations were effectively loaded with drugs. It was also found that the release of drug levofloxacin was sustained over a period of 48 hrs. The SEM results showed the semi spherical nanoparticles effectively loaded with drug. FTIR spectrum revealed characteristic peaks related to functional groups. Raman spectroscopy showed characteristic bands of both drugs and drug loaded iron oxide nanoparticles. Antibacterial assay results showed an enhanced antibacterial activity by using iron oxide nanoparticles Conclusion: It was concluded from the study that magnetic nanoparticles could be one of the best approaches to load antibacterial drugs while sustaining and enhancing their antibacterial activity

Magneto-Immunoassay for the Detection and Quantification of Human Growth Hormone.

Physiological and endocrine maintenance of a normal human growth hormone (hGH) concentration is crucial for growth, development, and a number of essential biological processes. In this study, we describe the preparation and characterization of magnetic nanoparticles coated with a gold shell (MNPs-Au). The optimal surface concentration of monoclonal anti-hGH antibodies (m-anti-hGH) on magnetic nanoparticles, as well as conditions that decrease non-specific interactions during the magneto-immunoassay, were elaborated. After the selective recognition, separation, and pre-concentration of hGH by MNPs-Au/m-anti-hGH and the hGH interaction with specific polyclonal biotin-labeled antibodies (p-anti-hHG-B) and streptavidin modified horseradish peroxidase (S-HRP), the MNPs-Au/m-anti-hGH/hGH/p-anti-hGH-B/S-HRP immunoconjugate was formed. The concentration of hGH was determined after the addition of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine and hydrogen peroxide substrate solution for HRP; the absorbance at 450 nm was registered after the addition of STOP solution. The developed sandwich-type colorimetric magneto-immunoassay is characterized by a clinically relevant linear range (from 0.1 to 5.0 nmol L−1, R2 0.9831), low limit of detection (0.082 nmol L−1), and negligible non-specific binding of other antibodies or S-HRP. The obtained results demonstrate the applicability of the developed magneto-immunoassay for the concentration and determination of hGH in the serum. Additionally, important technical solutions for the development of the sandwich-type colorimetric magneto-immunoassay are discussed.

Synthesis and characterization of magnetic nanoparticles: Biocatalytic effects on wastewater treatment

Wastewater treatment plants have experienced some setbacks over the years which makes it inefficient. This has intensified the use of nanotechnology in environmental remediation purposes with researchers delving into the modification of nanoparticles with recoverability benefits. In this study, magnetic nanocomposites (Fe3O4 and NiFe2O4) were prepared by a modified co-precipitation method for the bio-decontamination of wastewater. The physicochemical properties of the prepared nanocomposites were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The surface morphology and elemental compositions of the nanocomposites were defined by the high micrograph of the SEM/EDX, whereas the crystal structure (face-centred cubic shape) and size (5.179 nm) were affirmed by the XRD. The hydroxyl, amino and carboxyl groups of the nanocomposite intermediates and the possible decomposition route were revealed by the FTIR. Biochemical methane potential (BMP) assay was employed to reveal the treatability performance (COD, colour and turbidity removal), biogas yield and composition. At anaerobic condition of 40 °C and 21 days, the degradation efficiency of 60–90% was achieved by the bioreactors doped with nanocomposites (Fe3O4 and NiFe2O4) as compared with 50–65% efficiency by the control system. In general, the bioreactor was significantly inhibited by the Fe3O4 which increased the biogas and methane yield of 280 mL/day and 100% CH4 respectively as compared to the control of 55 mL/day and 66% CH4.

Using small-angle scattering to guide functional magnetic nanoparticle design.

Magnetic nanoparticles offer unique potential for various technological, biomedical, or environmental applications thanks to the size-, shape- and material-dependent tunability of their magnetic properties. To optimize particles for a specific application, it is crucial to interrelate their performance with their structural and magnetic properties. This review presents the advantages of small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering techniques for achieving a detailed multiscale characterization of magnetic nanoparticles and their ensembles in a mesoscopic size range from 1 to a few hundred nanometers with nanometer resolution. Both X-rays and neutrons allow the ensemble-averaged determination of structural properties, such as particle morphology or particle arrangement in multilayers and 3D assemblies. Additionally, the magnetic scattering contributions enable retrieving the internal magnetization profile of the nanoparticles as well as the inter-particle moment correlations caused by interactions within dense assemblies. Most measurements are used to determine the time-averaged ensemble properties, in addition advanced small-angle scattering techniques exist that allow accessing particle and spin dynamics on various timescales. In this review, we focus on conventional small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS and SANS), X-ray and neutron reflectometry, gracing-incidence SAXS and SANS, X-ray resonant magnetic scattering, and neutron spin-echo spectroscopy techniques. For each technique, we provide a general overview, present the latest scientific results, and discuss its strengths as well as sample requirements. Finally, we give our perspectives on how future small-angle scattering experiments, especially in combination with micromagnetic simulations, could help to optimize the performance of magnetic nanoparticles for specific applications.

Synthesis and characterization of magnetic nanoparticles, and their applications in wastewater treatment: A review

The sustainable growth of any society is in direct proportion with developing novel methods and technologies for the management of its environmental quality. The use of Magnetic Nanoparticles (MNPs) has emerged as an efficient tool for remediation of wastewater owing to its intrinsic qualities including size, surface effect, quantum effect, etc. These intrinsic properties of MNPs have diversified their application in managing the qualitative stress on water resources. The present review aims to assess the use of MNPs in removing organic and inorganic contaminants from wastewater. Insights into various synthesis methods and their effects on contaminant removal are also presented. It is reported that MNPs provide target specificity and cost-effectiveness as compared to conventional treatment methods. Moreover, the biological synthesis of MNPs is proven to be eco-friendly and aids in sustainable development. Nearly 100% removal of various types of contaminants such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products, dyes, pesticides, heavy metals, etc. can be achieved through MNPs. Some MNPs have shown a magnetic saturation reaching up to 70 emu/g, and recycling up to 5 cycles with ¿95% removal efficiency. High pollutant removal efficiency (¿98%) can also be achieved in a short time (within 5 min) by MNPs. It is noteworthy that, nanosorption along with the redox reactions are the most frequently used and efficient mechanisms of contaminant removal from wastewater samples. • Synthesis methods and applications of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are reviewed. • Synthesis method is important for target specific remediation. • Biologically synthesized nanoparticles are better suited for wastewater remediation. • Green MNPs are cost-effective, target specific, and provide reusability/recyclability. • MNPs efficiently remove various organic and inorganic contaminants from wastewater.

Synthesis and characterization of magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with different starch types

The present study enabled green synthesis and characterization of starch-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles to be released by the chemical co-precipitation of magnetite phase from aqueous solution in a different type of polymeric starch matrix (corn and wheat). To examine the structural changes which would occur when preparing starch-functionalized magnetic nanocomposites, the parameters which affect the synthesis such as starch type, the concentration of the precipitating agent, and aging time were studied. SEM/EDX, TEM, XRD, FTIR, VSM, and zeta potential measurements were employed to characterize and compare the as-synthesized products. The calculations based on the XRD results showed that magnetic starch nanocomposites had well-defined nanocomposite structures and average sizes of approximately 4.55 ± 1.2 nm and 3.78 ± 1.2 nm, respectively. Furthermore, the size varies from 7.95 ± 1.2 nm to 4.55 ± 1.2 nm and 6.91 ± 1.2 nm to 3.78 ± 1.2 nm by changing starch concentration from 0.05% to 2% for wheat and corn starches, respectively. The BET surface area of starch-stabilized magnetite nanobiocomposites for MW_S3 and MC_S3 were found to be 126.20 and 151.29 m2/g, respectively. The TEM and SEM results indicated that the spherical nanoparticles were dispersed into the polymer matrix. VSM results of pure-Fe3O4 (44.63 emu/g) is higher than those of MW_S3 (41.20 emu/g) and MC_S3 (39.88 emu/g) based on starch functionalization.

Magnetic Characterization by Scanning Microscopy of Functionalized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles.

This study aimed to systematically understand the magnetic properties of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles functionalized with different Pluronic F-127 surfactant concentrations (Fe3O4@Pluronic F-127) obtained by using an improved magnetic characterization method based on three-dimensional magnetic maps generated by scanning magnetic microscopy. Additionally, these Fe3O4 and Fe3O4@Pluronic F-127 nanoparticles, as promising systems for biomedical applications, were prepared by a wet chemical reaction. The magnetization curve was obtained through these three-dimensional maps, confirming that both Fe3O4 and Fe3O4@Pluronic F-127 nanoparticles have a superparamagnetic behavior. The as-prepared samples, stored at approximately 20 °C, showed no change in the magnetization curve even months after their generation, resulting in no nanoparticles free from oxidation, as Raman measurements have confirmed. Furthermore, by applying this magnetic technique, it was possible to estimate that the nanoparticles’ magnetic core diameter was about 5 nm. Our results were confirmed by comparison with other techniques, namely as transmission electron microscopy imaging and diffraction together with Raman spectroscopy. Finally, these results, in addition to validating scanning magnetic microscopy, also highlight its potential for a detailed magnetic characterization of nanoparticles.

Electroosmotic flow modulation for improved electrokinetic preconcentration: Application to capillary electrophoresis of fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles

It is reported in this study a new approach for modulation and even suppression of the electroosmotic flow (EOF) to achieve better electrokinetic preconcentration in capillary electrophoresis. This is based on the augmentation of the buffer’s concentrations to very high levels (more than a thousand of mM) without recourse to any dynamic/permanent coating nor viscous gel. The use of large weakly charged molecules as background electrolyte’s constituents allows working at extreme concentration ranges without penalty of high electric currents and Joule heating. By this way, the electroosmotic mobility could be modulated over a wide range (2–60 × 10−5 cm2 V−1 s−1 under alkaline conditions), and suppressed to levels equivalent to those obtained with several neutral coatings. The highest buffer concentrations, and the lowest EOF magnitudes, accordingly, were achieved with diethanolamine/3-(Cyclohexylamino)-1-propanesulfonic acid (ionic strength (IS) of 250 mM, pH 9.5), Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris)/2-(Cyclohexylamino)ethanesulfonic acid (CHES) (IS of 280 mM, pH 8.7) and triethanolamine/2-(Cyclohexylamino)ethanesulfonic acid (IS of 250 mM, pH 8.5). For demonstration, this new approach was applied for sensitive determination of core-shell magnetic nanoparticles (CSMNPs) having high potential for healthcare applications such as imaging agents for diagnostics and controllable cargos for nanomedicine. Different profiles were achieved for purpose-made and commercial magnetic nanoparticles using CE coupled with light-emitting-diode induced fluorescence (LEDIF) detection. The best performance for EOF-assisted preconcentration and CE-LEDIF of CSMNPs was achieved with these nanoparticles prepared in TRIS/CHES (IS 10 mM, pH 8.4) for preconcentration, and separation under BGE of TRIS/CHES (IS 100 mM, pH 8.4). Compared to the conventional capillary electrophoresis (CE-UV) method for characterization of magnetic nanoparticles, our proposed approach with fluorescent detection and EOF-assisted preconcentration offers almost 350-fold sensitivity improvement. Furthermore, our scheme can be used for monitoring the interaction between CSMNPs and target pharmaceutical molecules, serving for drug delivery development. A preliminary study with two antibiotics using this approach revealed that kanamycin interacts better with the target nanoparticles than amikacin.