Synthesis of Chitosan Coated Iron Oxide (Fe3O4) Nanoparticles by Electrochemical Method

Abstract

The increased interest in hybrid nanomaterials is due to the combined uses of the unique properties of both organic and inorganic component in a single material. In this class, magnetic polymer nanomaterials are of major interest because of the combination of excellent magnetic properties, stability, and good biocompatibility. Iron oxide nanoparticles can be utilized for multiple biotechnological and biomedical applications, but the major drawbacks of using these nanoparticles is their low stability and uneven size distribution due to the formation of agglomerates in aqueous solution. Thus, for application in various processes, iron oxide nanoparticles are coated with biocompatible polymers, mostly polysaccharides. The size plays an important role in the chemical and kinetic processes involved in the procedure. The final size of the coated particle is determined by the type of coating undertaken for modification of the surface properties according to the application it would be used for. The coated magnetic nanoparticles should enable localization of particles to a pre-defined area. It should be able to bind to the desired compound in such a manner that it can be controlled using an external magnetic field. In the current study, magnetic Fe3O4–chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by the covalent binding of chitosan (CTS) onto the surface of magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles which were prepared by electrochemical synthesis. The study aimed at the optimization of the electrochemical synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles, their subsequent coating with chitosan and their utilization in environmental and biomedical applications.