Synthesis of Magnetite Nanoparticles through a Lab-On-Chip Device

Abstract

Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) represent one of the most intensively studied types of iron oxide nanoparticles in various fields, including biomedicine, pharmaceutics, bioengineering, and industry. Since their properties in terms of size, shape, and surface charge significantly affects their efficiency towards the envisaged application, it is fundamentally important to develop a new synthesis route that allows for the control and modulation of the nanoparticle features. In this context, the aim of the present study was to develop a new method for the synthesis of MNPs. Specifically, a microfluidic lab-on-chip (LoC) device was used to obtain MNPs with controlled properties. The study investigated the influence of iron precursor solution concentration and flowed onto the final properties of the nanomaterials. The synthesized MNPs were characterized in terms of size, morphology, structure, composition, and stability. Results proved the formation of magnetite as a single mineral phase. Moreover, the uniform spherical shape and narrow size distribution were demonstrated. Optimal characteristics regarding MNPs crystallinity, uniformity, and thermal stability were obtained at higher concentrations and lower flows. In this manner, the potential of the LoC device is a promising tool for the synthesis of nanomaterials by ensuring the necessary uniformity for all final applications.

Design, Characterization, and Antibacterial Performance of MAPLE-Deposited Coatings of Magnesium Phosphate-Containing Silver Nanoparticles in Biocompatible Concentrations

“…The SAED patterns further confirmed the results, as the diffraction rings correspond to the Miller indices specific for silver in the cubic system ( Figure 1 d). Furthermore, the crystallinity of the obtained AgNPs is demonstrated through the high intensity of the diffraction peaks within the diffractograms and by the non-diffused diffraction rings in the SAED characteristic of highly crystalline materials [ 54 ]. As can be seen in the TEM micrographs, the nanoparticles are quasispherical with an average diameter of 32.1 ± 1.1 nm and an increased tendency for agglomeration ( Figure 1 b).…”

New Approaches in Synthesis and Characterization Methods of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

“…Microfluidics is a relatively new field that has brought together fluid dynamics, chemistry, and material science principles for allowing the precise and accurate manipulation of small fluid volumes within microchannels [57,58]. In this context, microfluidic technology-based methods for the synthesis of nanomaterials have emerged as an alternative to conventional routes that could provide possible solutions to the currently existing limitations.…”

“…In this context, microfluidic technology-based methods for the synthesis of nanomaterials have emerged as an alternative to conventional routes that could provide possible solutions to the currently existing limitations. Specifically, microfluidic devices represent synthesis platforms with outstanding features for the fabrication of nanoparticles, including small capillary dimensions and consequent large surface/volume ratios and reduced reagent volume use, rapid and uniform mass and heat transfer, ease of automation, reduced residence time, and precise control of mixing [38,[57][58][59]. In this manner, by increasing the control of the implicated reaction parameters (e.g., device geometry, flow rate, reagent concentration, reaction time, temperature) [59,60], nanoparticles with superior uniformity, stability, and encapsulation efficiency and narrow particle size distributions can be obtained in a highly reproducible and controllable manner [38,[57][58][59][60].…”

“…In this context, there are two main types of microfluidic reactors that involve different synthesis strategies, namely, single-phase or continuous-flow microfluidics and multi-phase or dropletbased microfluidics, which can be further divided according to the carrier fluid into gas-liquid and liquid-liquid segmented flows [38,59]. Microfluidics is currently evolving as a promising alternative for the synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles with controlled size, shape, and surface chemistry that can be modulated according to the application requirements [57,58]. Since it involves a relatively simple reaction, it can be obtained through both types of synthesis strategies.…”

“…Although the number of studies is still limited, the results are promising, thus paving the way toward the future of nanoparticle synthesis. In this context, the synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles was investigated through the use of a single-flow polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic reactor [61] and a T-junction polymethylmethacrylate microchip fabricated by a laser cutting machine [57]. Furthermore, another study fabricated magnetite nanoparticles using a 3D flow microfluidic device focused by two basic sheath streams, that were subjected to a postsynthesis surface functionalization step outside the microreactor [62].…”