Inorganic Oxide Nanoparticles Research Articles

Advanced Nafion/nanofiller composite proton exchange membranes for fuel cell applications

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) exhibit increasing potential in a variety of applications, from automotive to stationary power generation, due to their superior advantages such as high efficiency, quick start-up and low emissions. The cell performance and operation life of PEMFCs are directly affected by the proton exchange membranes (PEMs). Nafion, a well-known perfluorosulfonic acid polymer, represents the state of the art of PEMs. To further improve the performance of Nafion, various nanofillers are incorporated into Nafion matrices, leading to the formation of composite PEMs with enhanced proton conductivity, mechanical strength and chemical stability. This review summarizes the recent advancements in Nafion composite PEMs based on four typical kinds of nanofillers: framework nanomaterials, carbon nanomaterials, polyoxometalate nanoclusters, and inorganic oxide nanoparticles. The preparation strategy, structure-property relationship and fuel cell applications of these membranes are discussed comprehensively, particularly focusing on the synergistic effect between Nafion and nanofillers. This review can provide an instructive insight for designing high-performance PEMs towards emerging energy technologies.

Near-Infrared Reflective Polymer Films Based on UV-327-Doped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles.

We prepared cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) films with broadband reflective properties by admixing organic dye UV-327 into inorganic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), utilizing the principle of pitch distribution from a large to a small gradient along the film thickness direction, leading to broadband reflection. ZnO NPs are poorly dispersed and easy to gather, but they do not decompose easily. The addition of UV-327 makes up for the above shortcomings. UV-327 is an organic compound with good compatibility and dispersion with liquid crystal systems. Therefore, we used the method of mixing two UV-absorbing dyes (UV-327 and ZnO NPs) to obtain CLC films. UV-absorbing dyes (UV-327 and ZnO NPs) made the liquid crystal films form a UV intensity gradient in the direction of thickness, prompting the polymerizable monomers to polymerize faster on the stronger side of the light, leading to the relative diffusion of chiral molecules and polymerizable monomers, forming the concentration gradient of chiral molecules in the direction of thickness. The pitch has a gradient distribution as the chiral concentration varies. Then, anchored by the polymer network, the pitch gradient distribution no longer changes. Broadened reflective bandwidth can reach up to 881 nm. Furthermore, the film covers the near-infrared wavelength band well, which can be applied to future smart windows or laser shielding for medical and military applications. It is also believed that this achievement will optimize the preparation technology of broadband reflective CLC films in the future.

Cytotoxic effects of dose dependent inorganic magnesium oxide nanoparticles on the reproductive organs of rats

Introduction Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) have a variety of applications that have contributed to their elevated popularity, however, the safety and toxic effects on humans are also of concern with these increased applications. There is insufficient data regarding the effect of MgO NPs on reproductive organs, which are crucial aspects to the body’s vital physiological functions. The present study was undertaken in male and female rats to assess the reproductive toxicological potential of two doses (low versus high) of MgO NPs on testicular and ovarian tissues. The toxicity was evaluated using histological, hormonal, and oxidative parameters. Material and Methods In this work, magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) were synthesized by the sol-gel route and were characterized by X ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR). Forty-eight adult Wister albino rats were used in this experiment which were divided into groups of male and female, and then further into control, low dose MgO NPs, and high dose MgO NPs. The low dose used was 131.5 mg/kg b.w. (1/10 LD50) while the high dose used was 263 mg/kg b.w. (1/5 LD50). All doses were given orally by gastric tube. After 4 weeks, blood samples were collected to investigate the level of sex hormones and both ovarian and testicular tissues were examined for variable oxidative parameters and histopathological changes by light microscopy. Results The obtained findings showed that high dose of MgO NPs produced considerable changes in sex hormones and stress parameters in both male and female rats in comparison to the low dose and control groups. Histomorphometric analysis demonstrated the presence of histopathological alterations in the testicular and ovarian tissues. Conclusion The results of this study showed dose-dependent adverse effects of MgO NPs on the testis and ovary both functionally and histopathologically as compared to the control rats.

Precisely manipulation of core composition of core-shell-type cobalt polyoxoniobates and proton conduction study

The development of core-shell nanoclusters with controllable composition is of utmost importance as the material properties depend on their constituent elements. However, precisely tuning their compositions at the atomic scale is not easily achieved because of the difficulty of using limited macroscopic synthetic methods for atomic-level modulation. In this work, we report an interesting example of precisely regulating the core composition of an inorganic core-shell-type cobalt polyoxoniobate [Co26Nb36O140]32− by controlling reaction conditions, in which the inner Co-core composition could be tune while retaining the outer Nb-shell composition of resulting product, leading to a series of isostructural species with a general formula of {Co26-nNb36+nO140} (n = 0–2). These rare species not only can display good powder and single-crystal proton conductivities, but also might provide helpful and atomic-level insights into the syntheses, structures and composition modifications of inorganic amorphous core-shell heterometal oxide nanoparticles.

Tuning surface interactions on MgFe2O4 nanoparticles to induce interfacial hyperactivation in Candida rugosa lipase immobilization

Lipase adsorption on solid supports can be mediated by a precise balance of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. A suitable fine-tuning could allow the immobilized enzyme to display high catalytic activity. The objective of this work was to investigate how pH and ionic strength fluctuations affected protein-support interactions during immobilization via physical adsorption of a Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) on MgFe2O5. The highest amount of immobilized protein (IP) was measured at pH 4, and an ionic strength of 90 mM. However, these immobilization conditions did not register the highest hydrolytic activity (HA) in the biocatalyst (CRLa@MgFe2O4), finding the best values also at acidic pH but with a slight shift towards higher values of ionic strength around 110 mM. These findings were confirmed when the adsorption isotherms were examined under different immobilization conditions so that the maximum measurements of IP did not coincide with that of HA. Furthermore, when the recovered activity was examined, a strong interfacial hyperactivation of the lipase was detected towards acidic pH and highly charged surrounding environments. Spectroscopic studies, as well as in silico molecular docking analyses, revealed a considerable involvement of surface hydrophobic protein-carrier interactions, with aromatic aminoacids, especially phenylalanine residues, playing an important role. In light of these findings, this study significantly contributes to the body of knowledge and a better understanding of the factors that influence the lipase immobilization process on magnetic inorganic oxide nanoparticle surfaces.

Intranasal inorganic cerium oxide nanoparticles ameliorate oxidative stress induced motor manifestations in haloperidol-induced parkinsonism.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CONPs), owing to their radical scavenging property, have recently emerged as a therapeutic candidate for oxidative stress-mediated neurological diseases. However, oral and intravenous administration of CONPs is limited due to their poor physicochemical characteristics, low bioavailability, rapid systemic clearance, poor blood-brain penetration and dose-dependent toxicity. To overcome these challenges, we developed intranasal CONPs and evaluated their potential in the experimental PD model. CONPs were prepared by homogenous precipitation using tween 80 as a stabilizer and methanol/water as solvent. The optimization was done using Central Composite Design (CCD). The CONPs synthesis was confirmed by UV and FTIR. The optimized CONPs were small-sized (105.1 ± 5.78nm), spherical (TEM), uniform (PDI, 0.119 ± 0.006) and stable (ZP, -22.7 ± 1.02mV). Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis showed characteristic signals of Ce in developed CONPs. The X-ray diffraction pattern described the cubic fluorite structure and nano-crystalline nature of CONPs. The CONP anti-oxidant activity was found to be 93.60 ± 0.32% at 25µg/mL concentration. Finally, motor manifestation studies like the forced swim test, locomotor test, akinesia, catalepsy, and muscle coordination test were conducted to assess the motor dysfunctions and behavioral activity in all four animal groups. Results of the in vivo motor manifestation studies in the haloperidol-induced PD rat model showed that co-administration of intranasal CONPs along with a half dose of levodopa resulted in significant protection, and results were significantly different from the untreated group but not significantly different from the healthy group. In conclusion, intranasal CONPs can be useful in ameliorating oxidative stress through their antioxidant effect and could be prospective therapeutics for the treatment of motor manifestations in Parkinson's disease.

Facile green synthesis inorganic cuprous oxide nanoparticles and their antibacterial properties

Here, the authors described a sustainable green synthesis approach to synthesize cuprous oxide nanoparticles (NPs) using Olea europaea extract. The resulting synthesized cuprous oxide NPs were characterized by the UV–Visible spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The average cuprous oxide NPs crystallite size of about 30 nm was calculated using the Scherrer formula. According to TEM, the resulting synthesized cuprous oxide NPs are spherical shaped. The cuprous oxide NP provides good antibacterial activity versus the two strains compared to Olea europaea aqueous extract; cuprous oxide NP has higher MIC against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Controlling the directional sliding velocity of a liquid through an omniphobic nano-bump surface

Directional liquid manipulation surfaces have been widely used in advanced digital microfluidic platforms for biological and chemical analyses. However, studies on surfaces capable of controlling the droplet behavior of various liquids, including oil as well as water, through sliding velocity have been rare. This article reports the development of an omniphobic surface capable of controlling the directional sliding velocity of a liquid by using partially exposed nano-bump morphologies. A robust and reliable fabrication criterion is discussed for the fabrication of a novel functional liquid sliding surface through the ultraviolet ozone partial etching technique of a UV-curable resin that contains inorganic oxide nanoparticles. The fabricated hierarchical micro-stripes with overhang cross-sectional structures are omniphobic and exhibit droplet sliding velocity control. The velocities of various liquid droplets with varying surface tensions can be controlled by adjusting the level of nano-roughness formed on the surface of the micro-line structure.

Highly Efficient Thermal Energy Storage Using a Hybrid Hypercrosslinked Polymer**

AbstractIn this work, an organic/inorganic hybrid polymer containing siloxyl functional groups was synthesized and applied to encapsulate phase change materials (PCMs). Owing to the mild conditions of the hypercrosslinking reaction, which only requires the addition of a catalytic amount of aqueous alkaline solution, both organic and inorganic PCMs are tolerated. It is noteworthy that the initial homogeneous state of the reaction mixture allowed the ultimate encapsulation rate of the PCMs and the uniform blending of the third nano‐additives with the aim of thermal conductivity enhancement. Further study reveals that the presence of this hybrid hydrophobic polymer in a phase change composite endows the latter with a unique self‐cleaning property. This novel PCM encapsulation protocol is suitable for nanoparticles including carbon‐based nanomaterials, metal oxide nanoparticles, and inorganic oxide nanoparticles. A thermal conductivity enhancement of 600 % was achieved along with 93.7 % light‐to‐thermal conversion efficiency with a latent heat of 180 J g−1 without leakage.

Facile Strategy to Fabricate the Flame Retardant Polyamide 66 Fabric Modified with an Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Structure.

Recently, traditional flame retardant finishing with a single metal compound has been rarely applied owing to its low effectiveness and durability. This study reports metal ion finishing in combination with surface photografting modification (M/P technology) as a novel approach to incorporate an inorganic-organic hybrid structure containing an Fe3+ ion onto the surface of the polyamide (PA) 66 fabric. Specifically, the PA fabric was first surface-modified in the presence of acrylic acid (AA) and N,N'-methylene bisacrylamide (MBAAn) during photografting pretreatment under UV irradiation (step I), then further reacted with the Fe3+ ion in the metal ion finishing (step II). After treatment with M/P technology, the fabric exhibits the required excellent flame retardancy and dripping resistance. Here, flame retardant tests show that the treated PA fabric has the highest limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 33.4 and no melt dripping during combustion. An interesting inorganic/organic composite thermal barrier consisting of an inorganic iron oxide nanoparticle (NP) outer layer and an organic micro-intumescent inner layer can be observed on the surface of the burnt fabric. This structure could be responsible for the significant enhancement in the fire performance of the treated fabric. Importantly, the treated fabric is also highly stable during the laundering procedure, which could retain a high Fe/C ratio and an acceptable LOI value of 27.8 after washing 45 times. This confirms the achievement of durable flame retardancy after treatment with M/P technology, and its possible interaction mechanism has been discussed here.

Thermodynamic and anticancer properties of inorganic zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized through co-precipitation method

In this paper, inorganic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized through co-precipitation method and after evaluating their physicochemical properties by using TEM and XRD techniques, the bio-thermodynamic and structural parameters upon interaction of ZnO NPs with human serum albumin (HSA) were determined by using fluorescence, UV–vis, CD and molecular docking studies. Also, the selective anticancer effects of ZnO NPs on leukemia (K562) cells were explored by using different cellular and molecular assays. It was determined that the crystalline structure of ZnO NPs has a diameter of about 30 nm. Thermodynamic parameters and docking analysis indicated that the hydrophobic forces mediate the formation of static complex between ZnO NPs and HSA molecules. UV–vis and CD spectroscopic methods showed that the melting temperature (Tm) and secondary structure of HSA, respectively remain substantially unchanged by increase of ZnO NPs. Anticancer assays demonstrated that ZnO NPs trigger an inhibitory impact on the proliferation of K562 cells while being safe against lymphocyte normal cells. Exposure of K562 cells to ZnO NPs resulted in membrane leakage, activation of caspase-9, -3, overexpression of Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA ratio, increase in the level of ROS, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis/necrosis. In conclusion, it may be suggested that ZnO NPs can be utilized as potential agents in the development of anticancer platforms.

Solution-processed NiO x nanoparticles with a wide pH window as an efficient hole transport material for high performance tin-based perovskite solar cells

The development of tin-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is a promising approach to meet the demand of eco-friendly, lead-free perovskite photovoltaics. Limited to the poor chemical stability of tin perovskites, tin-based PSCs usually have to be fabricated with an inverted device structure and both the device efficiency and stability are highly dependent on the selection of hole transport materials (HTMs). Here, we report the synthesis of inorganic nickel oxide (NiO x ) nanoparticles (NPs) via a soft base precipitation method, which enables us to obtain highly dispersed NiO x NPs over a wide pH window. The as-prepared NiO x NPs are employed as the HTM for formamidinium tin iodide (FASnI3) PSCs, resulting in excellent device efficiency (∼8%) and stability (1200 h). Our study offers a facile strategy for mass production of NiO x NPs and easy access to efficient and robust inorganic HTMs that could further boost the development of high performance tin-based PSCs.

Fabrication of switchable surface wettability with UV-triggered on cotton fabric

A series of switchable wettability cotton fabrics were fabricated with inorganic oxide nanoparticles (TiO2 or Al2O3) modification of stearic acid (STA). By adjusting the additive amount of binary of inorganic oxide nanoparticles, five kinds of samples were obtained. These cotton fabrics were fully characterized, and all the samples possessed superhydrophobic surface. Under the UV irradiation, the photoresponsive materials TiO2 could alter the fabrics wetting state, but the STA modified UV inactive Al2O3 nanoparticles could remain the superhydrophobicity of samples. The changed wettability fabrics recovered the superhydrophobicity after heating, and the switchable wettability of the samples was maintained even after several UV irradiation/heating cycles.

Porosity Modulated High-Performance Piezoelectric Nanogenerator Based on Organic/Inorganic Nanomaterials for Self-Powered Structural Health Monitoring.

In the modern era, structural health monitoring (SHM) is critically important and indispensable in the aerospace industry as an effective measure to enhance the safety and consistency of aircraft structures by deploying a reliable sensor network. The deployment of built-in sensor networks enables uninterrupted structural integrity monitoring of an aircraft, providing crucial information on operation condition, deformation, and potential damage to the structure. Sustainable and durable piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) with good flexibility, high performance, and superior reliability are promising candidates for powering wireless sensor networks, particularly for aerospace SHM applications. This research demonstrates a self-powered wireless sensing system based on a porous polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-based PENG, which is prominently anticipated for developing auto-operated sensor networks. Our reported porous PVDF film is made from a flexible piezoelectric polymer (PVDF) and inorganic zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. The fabricated porous PVDF-based PENG demonstrates ∼11 times and ∼8 times enhancement of output current and voltage, respectively, compared to a pure PVDF-based PENG. The porous PVDF-based PENG can produce a peak-to-peak short-circuit current of 22 μA, a peak-to-peak open-circuit voltage of 84.5 V, a peak output power of 0.46 mW , and a peak output power density of 41.02 μW/cm2 (P/A). By harnessing energy from minute vibrations, the fabricated porous PVDF-based PENG device (area of A = 11.33 cm2) can generate sufficient electrical energy to power up a customized wireless sensing and communication unit and transfer sensor data every ∼4 min. The PENG can generate sufficient electrical energy from an automobile car vibration, which reflects the scenario of potential real-life SHM systems. We anticipate that this high-performance porous PVDF-based PENG can act as a reliable power source for the sensor networks in aircraft, which minimizes potential safety risks.

Polyurethane/Zinc Oxide (PU/ZnO) Composite-Synthesis, Protective Propertyand Application.

A polyurethane (PU) is a multifunctional polymer prepared by using more than two types of monomers. The unique properties of PU come from monomers, thus broadening the applicability of PU in many different sectors. The properties can be further improved by using many nanoparticles. Different metal oxides as nanoparticles are also widely used in PU materials. ZnO is a widely used inorganic metal oxide nanoparticle for improving polymer properties. In this review article, the techniques to prepare a PU/ZnO composite are reviewed; the key protective properties, such as adhesive strength and self-healing, and applications of PU/ZnO composites are also highlighted. This review also highlights the PU/ZnO composite’s current challenges and future prospects, which will help to broaden the composite practical application by preparing environmentally friendly composites.

Cross-Linked Polymers as Scaffolds for the Low-Temperature Preparation of Nanostructured Metal Oxides.

The current state of the art of the use of cross-linked organic polymers, both insoluble (resins or gels) and soluble (micro- and nanogels), as aids for the low-temperature preparation of stable metal oxide nanoparticles or nanostructured metal oxides is reviewed herein. Synthetic strategies for inorganic oxide nanomaterials of this kind can greatly benefit from the use of cross-linked polymers, which may act as scaffolds/exotemplates during inorganic nanoparticle synthesis, or as stabilizers following post-synthetic modification of the nanoparticles. Furthermore, the peculiar properties of the organic cross-linked polymers add to those of the inorganic oxide nanoparticles, producing materials with combined properties. The potential applications of such highly promising composite nanomaterials will be also briefly sketched.

PH-responsive nano-structured membranes prepared from oppositely charged block copolymer nanoparticles and iron oxide nanoparticles

Nanostructured (hybrid) membranes combining properties of inorganic and polymeric materials is an integral part of the field of separation technology. Mixed matrix membranes were prepared from oppositely charged inorganic (INPs) and polymeric (PNPs) nanoparticles using spin coating method. Four different types of PNPs were prepared. Poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)-b-(methyl methacrylate)) and poly((methacrylic acid)-b-(methyl methacrylate)) diblock copolymers were prepared via RAFT dispersion polymerization in ethanol at 70 °C. Quaternized poly(2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate)-b-poly (benzyl methacrylate) and poly(potassium 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate)-b-poly (benzyl methacrylate) block copolymers were prepared using aqueous RAFT emulsion polymerization method at 70 °C. The inorganic iron oxide nanoparticles (INPs) were either coated with [3-(2-Aminoethylamino)propyl] trimethoxysilane (TPED) via Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) using stab exchange. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis were performed to examine the size and morphology of the prepared polymeric and inorganic nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) images were obtained to analyze the topography and thin film formation on the nylon support. Detailed filtration experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of pH on the performance of the membrane.

Comparative Molecular Immunological Activity of Physiological Metal Oxide Nanoparticle and its Anticancer Peptide and RNA Complexes.

Currently, there is a great interest in nanoparticle-based vaccine delivery. Recent studies suggest that nanoparticles when introduced into the biological milieu are not simply passive carriers but may also contribute immunological activity themselves or of their own accord. For example there is considerable interest in the biomedical applications of one of the physiologically-based inorganic metal oxide nanoparticle, zinc oxide (ZnO). Indeed zinc oxide (ZnO) NP are now recognized as a nanoscale chemotherapeutic or anticancer nanoparticle (ANP) and several recent reports suggest ZnO NP and/or its complexes with drug and RNA induce a potent antitumor response in immuno-competent mouse models. A variety of cell culture studies have shown that ZnO NP can induce cytokines such as IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-12 which are known to regulate the tumor microenvironment. Much less work has been done on magnesium oxide (MgO), cobalt oxide (Co3O4), or nickel oxide (NiO); however, despite the fact that these physiologically-based metal oxide NP are reported to functionally load and assemble RNA and protein onto their surface and may thus also be of potential interest as nanovaccine platform. Here we initially compared in vitro immunogenicity of ZnO and Co3O4 NP and their effects on cancer-associated or tolerogenic cytokines. Based on these data we moved ZnO NP forward to testing in the ex vivo splenocyte assay relative to MgO and NiO NP and these data showed significant difference for flow cytometry sorted population for ZnO-NP, relative to NiO and MgO. These data suggesting both molecular and cellular immunogenic activity, a double-stranded anticancer RNA (ACR), polyinosinic:poly cytidylic acid (poly I:C) known to bind ZnO NP; when ZnO-poly I:C was injected into B16F10-BALB/C tumor significantly induced, IL-2 and IL-12 as shown by Cohen’s d test. LL37 is an anticancer peptide (ACP) currently in clinical trials as an intratumoral immuno-therapeutic agent against metastatic melanoma. LL37 is known to bind poly I:C where it is thought to compete for receptor binding on the surface of some immune cells, metastatic melanoma and lung cells. Molecular dynamic simulations revealed association of LL37 onto ZnO NP confirmed by gel shift assay. Thus using the well-characterized model human lung cancer model cell line (BEAS-2B), poly I:C RNA, LL37 peptide, or LL37-poly I:C complexes were loaded onto ZnO NP and delivered to BEAS-2B lung cells, and the effect on the main cancer regulating cytokine, IL-6 determined by ELISA. Surprisingly ZnO-LL37, but not ZnO-poly I:C or the more novel tricomplex (ZnO-LL37-poly I:C) significantly suppressed IL-6 by >98–99%. These data support the further evaluation of physiological metal oxide compositions, so-called physiometacomposite (PMC) materials and their formulation with anticancer peptide (ACP) and/or anticancer RNA (ACR) as a potential new class of immuno-therapeutic against melanoma and potentially lung carcinoma or other cancers.

Polyester-supported Chitosan-Poly(vinylidene fluoride)-Inorganic-Oxide-Nanoparticles Composites with Improved Flame Retardancy and Thermal Stability

Polyester (PET) was pre-activated by atmospheric air plasma and coated by various inorganic oxide nanoparticles (MOx) such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), and silicon oxide (SiO2), using poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and chitosan (CT) as binders. The resulting PET-PVDF-MOx-CT composites were thermally compressed and then characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, and flame retardancy (FR) ability tests. PET modifications resulted in more thermally stable and less harmful composites with weaker hazardous gas release. This was explained in terms of structure compaction that blocks pyrolysis gas emissions. CT incorporation was found to reduce the material susceptibility to oxidation. This judicious procedure also allowed improving flame retardancy ability, by lengthening the combustion delay and slowing the flame propagation. Chitosan also turned out to contribute to a possible synergy with the other polymers present in the synthesized materials. These results provide valuable data that allow understanding the FR phenomena and envisaging low-cost high FR materials from biodegradable raw materials.

Bottom-up design of hydrogels through click-chemistry modification of magnetic nanoparticles

The paper describes a modular approach based on click chemistry for the surface modification of magnetic oxide nanoparticles and their covalent inclusion within chemical hydrogels. As a proof of concept, we prepared cobalt ferrite nanoparticles and we modified their surfaces through the reaction with molecules bearing a carboxylic function and, alternatively, either an azide or an alkyne moiety. In the second step, the modified nanoparticles were reacted through a Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition with a molecule bearing an unsaturated function and either an alkyne or an azide moiety, respectively. Finally, the particles were successfully copolymerized with acrylamide and N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide to obtain a magnetically responsive hydrogel. This approach could be easily extended towards any type of inorganic oxide nanoparticles and their inclusion within any radically co-polymerized hydrogel.