One-step preparation and surface activation of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for bio-medical applications

This paper describes the one-step preparation and surface functionalization with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) of magnetite nanoparticles during their synthesis by using only Fe2+ in alkaline medium. Mean crystal size calculated from Xray diffraction spectra was 10.8 nm for uncoated magnetite, while magnetic particle diameter calculated from magnetization loops varied between 9.1 nm - 11 nm, depending on the APTS concentration. Activation of magnetite nanoparticles with amino-silanes leaded to the decreasing of saturation magnetization from 41.4 emu/g for uncoated magnetite to 18-20 emu/g for coated magnetite.