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This work discusses the influence of synthesis conditions on self-assembly capability and morphology of obtained Ag–Fe3O4 nanoheterostructures. Samples were synthesized in two steps: first silver nanoparticles were synthesized and then used as seeds for the growth of iron oxide nanoparticles in a second step. The silver nanoparticle size was tuned, changing the oleylamine (OAm) and oleic acid (OA) ratio, which enables us to study the influence of chemical agents and seed size on the final magnetic nanoparticle morphology. The mechanism during the formation of these heterostructures has been discussed by several authors; however, it remains an open issue. In this paper we extend the discussion and advance on the understanding of synthesis conditions, related to silver sizes, chemical agents, and physical properties on the obtained nanoparticles. In our Ag–Fe3O4 system, two types of heterostructures were obtained: dimer, flower, or combination of the two. We have found that the final shape depends on silver seed size, as well as the polarity of the chemical agents used during the synthesis. We made an exhaustive study of the relationship between magnetic properties and structural features. The morphology and size distributions of the heterostructures were analyzed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

In this work, we study the link between synthesis conditions, crystalline structure and magnetic properties of exchange-coupled and single domain iron oxide nanoparticles

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Magnetic nanoparticles (MNps) have become powerful tools for multiple biomedical applications such as hyperthermia drivers, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) vectors, as well as drug-delivery systems. However, their toxic effects on human health have not yet been fully elucidated, especially in view of their great diversity of surface modifications and functionalizations. Citrate-coating of MNps often results in increased hydrophilicity, which may positively impact their performance as drug-delivery systems. Nonetheless, the consequences on the intrinsic toxicity of such MNps are unpredictable. Herein, novel magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles covered with citrate were synthesized and their potential intrinsic acute toxic effects were investigated using in vitro and in vivo models. The proposed synthetic pathway turned out to be simple, quick, inexpensive, and reproducible. Concerning toxicity risk assessment, these citrate-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (IONps) did not affect the in vitro viability of different cell lines (HaCaT and HepG2). Moreover, the in vivo acute dose assay (OECD test guideline #425) showed no alterations in clinical parameters, relevant biochemical variables, or morphological aspects of vital organs (such as brain, liver, lung and kidney). Iron concentrations were slightly increased in the liver, as shown by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and Perls Prussian Blue Staining assays, but this finding was considered non-adverse, given the absence of accompanying functional/clinical repercussions. In conclusion, this study reports on the development of a simple, fast and reproducible method to obtain citrate-coated IONps with promising safety features, which may be used as a drug nanodelivery system in the short run. (263 words)

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