Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have been utilized in the biomedical field as contrast agents for MRI. Presently, most contrast agents are gadolinium based, which are expensive and have been proven to cause toxic side effects. Utilizing iron oxide nanoparticles can present a less toxic alternative that is just as effective. However, these nanoparticles first need to be encased in an organic coating for biocompatibility. A bridging ligand is required for the nanoparticle to be bound to biomolecules. The bridging ligand explored in this research was based on a class of compounds known as sugar acids, in particular mucic acid. The alpha hydroxyl groups can be protected by binding mucic acid with either nickel or an iron oxide nanoparticle, leaving the beta hydroxyl groups exposed. These exposed hydroxyl groups can then be bound to linkers allowing biomolecules to be attached. Three compounds were synthesized including: nickel phenantrolino mucicate, nickel mucicate, and colloidal iron oxide mucicate. The products were characterized using TGA and ESI-MS.

Novel bridging ligands based on sugar acids for stabilizing inorganic nanoparticles

251st National Meeting (2016)

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