Commercial iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles for biomedical applications are generally produced via a co-precipitation method. Their good performance in techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging has long been proven;1 however, significant batch-to-batch output differences have been pointed out.2 As a result, there is a need for a better understanding of the formation process for a reliable production of nanoparticles with long term stability.We report on the use of sodium carbonate as a co-precipitating agent for the synthesis of uncoated iron oxide nanoparticles. More importantly this synthetic route offers a benchmark for the study of the physicochemical changes that a solution of Fe(II)/Fe(III) experiences throughout the reaction. Particle size, morphology and crystal structure can be altered depending on the pH, temperature and reaction time. The simplicity of the method allows for the incorporation of coating agents and biomolecules with ease, therefore constituting suitable building blocks for biocompatible nanosystems. 1.         Pankhurst, Q. A.; Thanh, N. K. T.; Jones, S. K.; Dobson, J., Progress in applications of magnetic nanoparticles in biomedicine. J. Phys. D-Appl. Phys. 2009,  42 (22).2.         Kallumadil, M.; Tada, M.; Nakagawa, T.; Abe, M.; Southern, P.; Pankhurst, Q. A., Suitability of commercial colloids for magnetic hyperthermia (vol 321, pg 1509, 2009). J. Magn. Magn. Mater. 2009,  321 (21), 3650-3651.

Unraveling the formation pathway of iron oxide nanoparticles

244th National Meeting (2012)

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