title: A new method for the aqueous functionalization of superparamagnetic Fe2O3 nanoparticles.
abstract: A new methodology for the synthesis of hydrophilic iron oxide nanoparticles has been developed. This new method is based on the direct chemical modification of the nanoparticles' surfactant molecules. Using this methodology both USPIO (ultrasmall super paramagnetic iron oxide) (hydrodynamic size smaller than 50 nm) and SPIO (super paramagnetic iron oxide) (hydrodynamic size bigger than 50 nm) were obtained. In addition, we also show that it is possible to further functionalize the hydrophilic nanoparticles via covalent chemistry in water. The magnetic properties of these nanoparticles were also studied, showing their potential as MRI contrast agents.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Estudios Biofuncionales, Universidad Complutense, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Paseo Juan XXIII no. 1, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Herranz
authors.forename: Ma Puerto
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Morales
authors.forename: Alejandro G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Roca
authors.forename: Ramón
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vilar
authors.forename: Jesús
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ruiz-Cabello
mesh_terms: D003287:Contrast Media / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008280:Magnetics; D008722:Methods; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D010316:Particle Size; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D005290:Ferric Compounds; D014867:Water; C000499:ferric oxide