Functionalized Magnetic Nanomaterials

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Synthesis, Interfaces and Nanostructures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 28287

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, Cluj Napoca, Romania
Interests: nanostructured composites; functionalized magnetic nanoparticles; magnetic micro/nanogels; self-assembled nanoparticles systems; smart composites based on magnetic nanoparticles and stimuli responsive polymers; surface physics and chemistry of nanoparticles; nanomaterials characterization by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

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Guest Editor
Center for Fundamental and Advanced Technical Research, Timisoara, Romania
Interests: magnetic nanoparticles; magnetic fluids; ferrofluids; bioferrofluids; magnetic nanocomposites; magnetorheological fluids; magnetic properties; flow properties; structure analysis by scattering techniques; engineering and biomedical applications of magnetizable nanomaterials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Magnetic nanomaterials engineered with a large variety of functional coatings have gained much interest because of their possible applications with dual-mode manipulation controlled by a magnetic field and through the appropriate design of surface properties.

Among the magnetic nanomaterials, magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and their nanocomposites are very promising for innovative applications in nanomedicine and biotechnology, such as nanotherapeutics, multimodal imaging, targeted drug delivery, hyperthermia, analyte monitoring, and enzyme, protein, and nucleic acid separations, due to their large surface area, excellent magnetic properties, and low toxicity. The nature of magnetic nanoparticles’ surface coating is essential for their behavior in biorelevant media. Well separated or in clusters, with proper surface functionalization, usually dispersed in liquid carriers (bioferrofluids) or embedded/encapsulated in polymeric networks, magnetic nanoparticles are the basic building blocks of a large variety of multifunctional vehicles.

The surface modification of magnetic nanomaterials, including the attachment of functional groups necessary for applications based on interactions ranging from nonspecific (e.g., ionic, hydrophobic/hydrophilic, and hydrogen bond) through group-specific to specific-affinity interactions, is an important issue for the future progress of medical and industrial applications.

The design and preparation of functionalized magnetic nanomaterials could have a strong applicative impact in many fields, such as diagnosis and treatment, regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, magnetic bioseparation, protein immobilization, biocatalysis, biosensors, or water purification, to mention only a few.

In this context, the aim of this Special Issue is to publish original research papers and comprehensive reviews dealing with the most important issues concerning the synthesis, advance properties investigations, and potential applications of functionalized magnetic nanomaterials.

Dr. Rodica Paula Turcu
Prof. Dr. Ladislau Vekas
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • magnetic nanomaterials
  • surface functionalization
  • functionalized magnetic nanoparticles
  • physical–chemical characterization
  • applications

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 4354 KiB  
Article
Novel Magnetic Composite Materials for Dental Structure Restoration Application
by Izabell Crăciunescu, George Marian Ispas, Alexandra Ciorîța, Cristian Leoștean, Erzsébet Illés and Rodica Paula Turcu
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(7), 1215; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13071215 - 29 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1697
Abstract
In general, magnetic nanoparticles are not often used in dental applications due to some limitations of these materials, such as aggregation problems and low mechanical and chemical resistance but also esthetic problems due to their black color. Our research presents the synthesis of [...] Read more.
In general, magnetic nanoparticles are not often used in dental applications due to some limitations of these materials, such as aggregation problems and low mechanical and chemical resistance but also esthetic problems due to their black color. Our research presents the synthesis of novel magnetic dental composite materials based on magnetic nanoparticles, functionalized and properly coated to overcome the limitations of using magnetic nanoparticles in dental applications. The composites were prepared using a preparation flow containing several integrated reaction steps used previously sequentially. An adequate and deep characterization of dental magnetic composites has been carried out in order to demonstrate that each limitation has been successfully overcome. It was proved that each component brings particular benefits in dental interventions: Fe3O4 nanoparticles have biocompatible, non-toxic properties and also antimicrobial effects; the SiO2 layer significantly increases the mechanical strength of the material; and the Ca(OH)2 layer initiates local calcification and significantly improves the color of the dental composite material. Due to magnetic properties, an innovative application approach on the tooth surface can be achieved under an external magnetic field, which, compared to conventional methods, has a major impact on reducing the occurrence of dental caries under filling materials as well as on reducing microfractures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Magnetic Nanomaterials)
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16 pages, 26430 KiB  
Article
Proton Therapy, Magnetic Nanoparticles and Hyperthermia as Combined Treatment for Pancreatic BxPC3 Tumor Cells
by Francesca Brero, Paola Calzolari, Martin Albino, Antonio Antoccia, Paolo Arosio, Francesco Berardinelli, Daniela Bettega, Mario Ciocca, Angelica Facoetti, Salvatore Gallo, Flavia Groppi, Claudia Innocenti, Anna Laurenzana, Cristina Lenardi, Silvia Locarno, Simone Manenti, Renato Marchesini, Manuel Mariani, Francesco Orsini, Emanuele Pignoli, Claudio Sangregorio, Francesca Scavone, Ivan Veronese and Alessandro Lascialfariadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(5), 791; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13050791 - 21 Feb 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2364
Abstract
We present an investigation of the effects on BxPC3 pancreatic cancer cells of proton therapy combined with hyperthermia, assisted by magnetic fluid hyperthermia performed with the use of magnetic nanoparticles. The cells’ response to the combined treatment has been evaluated by means of [...] Read more.
We present an investigation of the effects on BxPC3 pancreatic cancer cells of proton therapy combined with hyperthermia, assisted by magnetic fluid hyperthermia performed with the use of magnetic nanoparticles. The cells’ response to the combined treatment has been evaluated by means of the clonogenic survival assay and the estimation of DNA Double Strand Breaks (DSBs). The Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production, the tumor cell invasion and the cell cycle variations have also been studied. The experimental results have shown that the combination of proton therapy, MNPs administration and hyperthermia gives a clonogenic survival that is much smaller than the single irradiation treatment at all doses, thus suggesting a new effective combined therapy for the pancreatic tumor. Importantly, the effect of the therapies used here is synergistic. Moreover, after proton irradiation, the hyperthermia treatment was able to increase the number of DSBs, even though just at 6 h after the treatment. Noticeably, the magnetic nanoparticles’ presence induces radiosensitization effects, and hyperthermia increases the production of ROS, which contributes to cytotoxic cellular effects and to a wide variety of lesions including DNA damage. The present study indicates a new way for clinical translation of combined therapies, also in the vision of an increasing number of hospitals that will use the proton therapy technique in the near future for different kinds of radio-resistant cancers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Magnetic Nanomaterials)
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12 pages, 3027 KiB  
Article
The Antibacterial Properties of Nanocomposites Based on Carbon Nanotubes and Metal Oxides Functionalized with Azithromycin and Ciprofloxacin
by Adina Stegarescu, Ildiko Lung, Alexandra Ciorîță, Irina Kacso, Ocsana Opriș, Maria-Loredana Soran and Albert Soran
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(23), 4115; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12234115 - 22 Nov 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1819
Abstract
Different microorganisms are present in nature, some of which are assumed to be hazardous to the human body. It is crucial to control their continuing growth to improve human life. Nanomaterial surface functionalization represents a current topic in continuous evolution that supports the [...] Read more.
Different microorganisms are present in nature, some of which are assumed to be hazardous to the human body. It is crucial to control their continuing growth to improve human life. Nanomaterial surface functionalization represents a current topic in continuous evolution that supports the development of new materials with multiple applications in biology, medicine, and the environment. This study focused on the antibacterial activity of different nanocomposites based on functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes against four common bacterial strains. Two metal oxides (CuO and NiO) and two antibiotics (azithromycin and ciprofloxacin) were selected for the present study to obtain the following nanocomposites: MWCNT-COOH/Antibiotic, MWCNT-COOH/Fe3O4/Antibiotic, and MWCNT-COOH/Fe3O4/MO/Antibiotic. The present study included two Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis) and two Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Ciprofloxacin (Cip) functionalized materials (MWCNT-COOH/Fe3O4/Cip) were most efficient against all tested bacterial strains; therefore, we conclude that Cu and Ni reduce the effects of Cip. The obtained results indicate that the nanocomposites functionalized with Cip are more effective against selected bacteria strains compared to azithromycin (Azi) functionalized nanocomposites. The current work determined the antibacterial activities of different nanocomposites and gave fresh insights into their manufacture for future research regarding environmental depollution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Magnetic Nanomaterials)
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20 pages, 5780 KiB  
Article
Ofloxacin Removal from Aqueous Media by Means of Magnetoactive Electrospun Fibrous Adsorbents
by Petri Ch. Papaphilippou, Oana Maria Marinica, Eugenia Tanasă, Fotios Mpekris, Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos, Vlad Socoliuc and Theodora Krasia-Christoforou
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(20), 3648; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12203648 - 18 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1618
Abstract
Functionalized electrospun polymer microfibrous membranes were fabricated by electrospinning and further surface-functionalized with magnetic iron oxide (FexOy) nanoparticles to yield magnetoactive nanocomposite fibrous adsorbents. The latter were characterized in respect to their morphology, mechanical properties and magnetic properties while [...] Read more.
Functionalized electrospun polymer microfibrous membranes were fabricated by electrospinning and further surface-functionalized with magnetic iron oxide (FexOy) nanoparticles to yield magnetoactive nanocomposite fibrous adsorbents. The latter were characterized in respect to their morphology, mechanical properties and magnetic properties while they were further evaluated as substrates for removing Ofloxacin (OFL) from synthetic aqueous media and secondary urban wastewater (UWW) under varying physicochemical parameters, including the concentration of the pharmaceutical pollutant, the solution pH and the membranes’ magnetic content. The magnetic-functionalized fibrous adsorbents demonstrated significantly enhanced adsorption efficacy in comparison to their non-functionalized fibrous analogues while their magnetic properties enabled their magnetic recovery and regeneration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Magnetic Nanomaterials)
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12 pages, 2984 KiB  
Article
Cancer Cytotoxicity of a Hybrid Hyaluronan-Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticle Material: An In-Vitro Evaluation
by Yen-Lan Chang, Pei-Bang Liao, Ping-Han Wu, Wei-Jen Chang, Sheng-Yang Lee and Haw-Ming Huang
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(3), 496; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12030496 - 31 Jan 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3132
Abstract
While hyaluronic acid encapsulating superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have been reported to exhibit selective cytotoxicity toward cancer cells, it is unclear whether low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid-conjugated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles also display such cytotoxicity. In this study, high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid was irradiated with γ-ray, [...] Read more.
While hyaluronic acid encapsulating superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have been reported to exhibit selective cytotoxicity toward cancer cells, it is unclear whether low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid-conjugated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles also display such cytotoxicity. In this study, high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid was irradiated with γ-ray, while Fe3O4 nanoparticles were fabricated using chemical co-precipitation. The low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid and Fe3O4 nanoparticles were then combined according to a previous study. Size distribution, zeta potential, and the binding between hyaluronic acid and iron oxide nanoparticles were examined using dynamic light scattering and a nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The ability of the fabricated low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid conjugated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles to target cancer cells was examined using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and T2* weighted magnetic resonance images to compare iron signals in U87MG human glioblastoma and NIH3T3 normal fibroblast cell lines. Comparison showed that the present material could target U87MG cells at a higher rate than NIH3T3 control cells, with a viability inhibition rate of 34% observed at day two and no cytotoxicity observed in NIH3T3 normal fibroblasts during the three-day experimental period. Supported by mass spectrometry images confirming that the nanoparticles accumulated on the surface of cancer cells, the fabricated materials can reasonably be suggested as a candidate for both magnetic resonance imaging applications and as an injectable anticancer agent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Magnetic Nanomaterials)
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12 pages, 3386 KiB  
Article
Ferrimagnetic Large Single Domain Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Hyperthermia Applications
by Diana Zahn, Joachim Landers, Juliana Buchwald, Marco Diegel, Soma Salamon, Robert Müller, Moritz Köhler, Gernot Ecke, Heiko Wende and Silvio Dutz
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(3), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12030343 - 21 Jan 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3106
Abstract
This paper describes the preparation and obtained magnetic properties of large single domain iron oxide nanoparticles. Such ferrimagnetic particles are particularly interesting for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in medicine or (bio)technology. The particles were prepared by a modified oxidation method of non-magnetic precursors [...] Read more.
This paper describes the preparation and obtained magnetic properties of large single domain iron oxide nanoparticles. Such ferrimagnetic particles are particularly interesting for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in medicine or (bio)technology. The particles were prepared by a modified oxidation method of non-magnetic precursors following the green rust synthesis and characterized regarding their structural and magnetic properties. For increasing preparation temperatures (5 to 85 °C), an increasing particle size in the range of 30 to 60 nm is observed. Magnetic measurements confirm a single domain ferrimagnetic behavior with a mean saturation magnetization of ca. 90 Am2/kg and a size-dependent coercivity in the range of 6 to 15 kA/m. The samples show a specific absorption rate (SAR) of up to 600 W/g, which is promising for magnetic hyperthermia application. For particle preparation temperatures above 45 °C, a non-magnetic impurity phase occurs besides the magnetic iron oxides that results in a reduced net saturation magnetization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Magnetic Nanomaterials)
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14 pages, 5924 KiB  
Article
Influence of Thickness on the Magnetic and Magnetotransport Properties of Epitaxial La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 Films Deposited on STO (0 0 1)
by Simona Gabriela Greculeasa, Anda-Elena Stanciu, Aurel Leca, Andrei Kuncser, Luminita Hrib, Cristina Chirila, Iuliana Pasuk and Victor Kuncser
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3389; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11123389 - 14 Dec 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2663
Abstract
Epitaxial La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 films with different thicknesses (9–90 nm) were deposited on SrTiO3 (0 0 1) substrates by pulsed laser deposition. The films have been investigated with respect to morpho-structural, magnetic, and magneto-transport properties, which have been proven [...] Read more.
Epitaxial La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 films with different thicknesses (9–90 nm) were deposited on SrTiO3 (0 0 1) substrates by pulsed laser deposition. The films have been investigated with respect to morpho-structural, magnetic, and magneto-transport properties, which have been proven to be thickness dependent. Magnetic contributions with different switching mechanisms were evidenced, depending on the perovskite film thickness. The Curie temperature increases with the film thickness. In addition, colossal magnetoresistance effects of up to 29% above room temperature were evidenced and discussed in respect to the magnetic behavior and film thickness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Magnetic Nanomaterials)
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13 pages, 4893 KiB  
Article
Aminopropylimidazole as an Advantageous Coating in the Synthesis of Functionalized Magnetite Nanoparticles
by Alexandrina Nan, Iolanda-Veronica Ganea, Sergiu Macavei and Rodica Turcu
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3276; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11123276 - 2 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2260
Abstract
Implementing new methods to prepare magnetite nanoparticles with a covered or uncovered surface has been, and still is, a significant challenge. In this work, we describe a very clear and effortless way for the preparation of magnetite nanoparticles using two types of bases, [...] Read more.
Implementing new methods to prepare magnetite nanoparticles with a covered or uncovered surface has been, and still is, a significant challenge. In this work, we describe a very clear and effortless way for the preparation of magnetite nanoparticles using two types of bases, namely: 1-(3-aminopropyl)imidazole and sodium hydroxide. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) served as a tool for the structural investigation of the as-prepared magnetite nanoparticles. The morphology of the samples was investigated using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Comprehensive high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigations (XPS) were applied as an effective tool for analyzing the composition of the various types of magnetic nanoparticles. Further polymer linkage was accomplished with poly(benzofuran-co-arylacetic acid) on the amino-functionalized surface of aminopropylimidazole-containing magnetic nanoparticles. The findings are promising for biomedicine, catalysis, and nanotechnology applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Magnetic Nanomaterials)
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15 pages, 19492 KiB  
Article
Effective Removal of Crystal Violet Dye Using Neoteric Magnetic Nanostructures Based on Functionalized Poly(Benzofuran-co-Arylacetic Acid): Investigation of the Adsorption Behaviour and Reusability
by Iolanda-Veronica Ganea, Alexandrina Nan, Călin Baciu and Rodica Turcu
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(3), 679; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11030679 - 9 Mar 2021
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 2987
Abstract
Synthetic dyes represent a significant class of contaminants released in the environment. Crystal violet is a triarylmethane dye used in several fields such as printing inks, the textile or paper industries, as well as in cell histology. Coating magnetic nanoparticles with functionalized polymers [...] Read more.
Synthetic dyes represent a significant class of contaminants released in the environment. Crystal violet is a triarylmethane dye used in several fields such as printing inks, the textile or paper industries, as well as in cell histology. Coating magnetic nanoparticles with functionalized polymers has been proved to improve their efficiency, offering unique properties for applications in wastewater treatment. The current paper focuses on preparing and characterising magnetic core-shell nanoparticles coated with poly(benzofuran-co-arylacetic acid) functionalized with folic acid as an organic shell. The new polymer-based magnetic nanostructures were applied for crystal violet extraction from aqueous solutions. The nanostructures were structurally and morphologically investigated by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). While thermal and magnetic properties of the magnetic nanostructures were determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and magnetization measurements (VSM). At the same time, crystal violet concentrations were determined by UV-VIS spectroscopy. The influence of initial dye concentration and contact time on the removal efficiency has been studied to achieve the optimum adsorption conditions. The dye adsorbent neoteric magnetic nanostructure was easily desorbed and reused, the adsorption capacity decreasing from 100% to 97.63% in the first five cycles, reaching a minimum of 88.74% after the 10th recycling step. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Magnetic Nanomaterials)
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Review

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28 pages, 2258 KiB  
Review
Functionalized Magnetic Nanomaterials in Agricultural Applications
by Alexandros Spanos, Kyriakos Athanasiou, Andreas Ioannou, Vasileios Fotopoulos and Theodora Krasia-Christoforou
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(11), 3106; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11113106 - 18 Nov 2021
Cited by 41 | Viewed by 5303
Abstract
The development of functional nanomaterials exhibiting cost-effectiveness, biocompatibility and biodegradability in the form of nanoadditives, nanofertilizers, nanosensors, nanopesticides and herbicides, etc., has attracted considerable attention in the field of agriculture. Such nanomaterials have demonstrated the ability to increase crop production, enable the efficient [...] Read more.
The development of functional nanomaterials exhibiting cost-effectiveness, biocompatibility and biodegradability in the form of nanoadditives, nanofertilizers, nanosensors, nanopesticides and herbicides, etc., has attracted considerable attention in the field of agriculture. Such nanomaterials have demonstrated the ability to increase crop production, enable the efficient and targeted delivery of agrochemicals and nutrients, enhance plant resistance to various stress factors and act as nanosensors for the detection of various pollutants, plant diseases and insufficient plant nutrition. Among others, functional magnetic nanomaterials based on iron, iron oxide, cobalt, cobalt and nickel ferrite nanoparticles, etc., are currently being investigated in agricultural applications due to their unique and tunable magnetic properties, the existing versatility with regard to their (bio)functionalization, and in some cases, their inherent ability to increase crop yield. This review article provides an up-to-date appraisal of functionalized magnetic nanomaterials being explored in the agricultural sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Magnetic Nanomaterials)
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