We have developed a new versatile surface-functionalization strategy based on ligand exchange that is applicable to metal oxide nanoparticles (e.g., Fe3O4 NPs). This strategy involves the design of new set of multidentate dopamine oligomers prepared using one-step reaction of a short polymer backbone with lateral poly(ethylene glycol) short chains (or other hydrophilic moieties), and dopamine anchors. Here the catechol groups allow strong affinity to the iron oxide NPs, while dispersion in buffer media and biocompatibility is promoted by the PEG moieties.  Ligand exchange of Fe3O4 NPs with these oligomers is remarkably efficient compared to other mono-coordinating capping molecules. The resulting NPs preserve their homogenous size and distribution and exhibit high colloidal stability over a broad range of conditions.  Furthermore, our strategy allows the easy insertion of a controllable number of functional groups (e.g., amine or azide) on the NPs, making them compatible with commonly used bio-orthogonal chemistries.

Design of multidentate oligomeric ligands to enhance the biocompatibility of metal oxide nanoparticles

245th National Meeting (2013)

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