One-pot Electro-synthesis and Characterization of Chitosan Capped Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) from Ethanol Media

Background: Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are known for various biomedical applications like hyperthermia, magnetic resonance imaging and drug delivery. These magnetic particles should be capped with certain biocompatible agents. In this regard, it is a technological challenge to control size, shape, stability, and dispersibility of SPIONs in desired mediums. Methods: Cathodic electrosynthesis procedure was used for the preparation of naked SPIONs. Naked SPIONs were prepared by galvanostatic electrodeposition by applying the current density of 5 mA cm-2 for 30 min. For preparation of chitosan capped SPIONs, only the composition of deposition electrolyte was changed with the addition of 1 g L–1 chitosan. The prepared NPs were characterized through FE-SEM, TEM, XRD, DLS and VSM techniques. Results: The XRD patterns have the well-defined and relative broad diffraction peaks, which confirmed spinal magnetite structure for both naked CS capped SPIONs. FE-SEM images which clearly showed that both samples have a well-defined 10nm particles with no obvious aggregation. IR bands related to the chemical bonds of chitosan were observed, which proved a chitosan coating. The superparamagnetic nature of the prepared naked and CS-SPIONs were confirmed by VSM data. Conclusion: In summary, a facile electrochemical based platform was developed for the synthesis of chitosan capped superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles from ethanol media. The observed weight loss (~16%) during the calcination of the CS- SPIONs, and also the presence of vibration bands related to the chitosan bands confirmed the chitosan layer on the SPIONs. Also, superparamagnetic nature of the CS capped SPIONs was confirmed by VSM data.