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Sol–gel preparation of NixCu1–x/silica nanocomposites using different silica precursors

  • Original Paper: Sol-gel and hybrid materials for biological and health (medical) applications
  • Published:
Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The use of magnetic nanoparticles in biomedical applications has recently attracted considerable attention in fields like magnetic resonance imaging, drug delivery, and magnetic hyperthermia. Nickel–copper nanoparticles with the general formula NixCu1–x are among the most attractive materials due to their simple synthesis, high magnetization, and biocompatibility combined with a Curie temperature (TC) within the therapeutic range, making them a promising material for magnetic hyperthermia, as well as for targeted drug delivery. To avoid agglomeration and/or oxidation of such nanoparticles, they usually have to be coated with silica, noble metals, or polymers. The silica coating not only stabilizes the nanoparticles, but also improves their biocompatibility and allows further surface functionalization or drug incorporation. In this study, nanoparticles with the composition Ni67.5Cu32.5 were prepared using the sol–gel method via an in situ application of the precursor tetraethyl orthosilicate or its combination with other silica precursors, e.g., (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane, phenyltriethoxysilane, vinyltriethoxysilane, and bis-1,2-(triethoxysilyl)ethane. The coated nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, magnetization measurements, transmission electron microscopy, specific surface area, and porosity (BET), and contact angle measurements. The results confirmed the absence of nonmagnetic oxides in samples, the presence of the silica coating formed from respective precursors, as well as a high potential for the use in magnetic hyperthermia. The basic characteristics of NixCu1–x nanoparticles can be varied to a certain extent with the preparation of functional coatings.

NiCu nanoparticles in silica matrix obtained from different silica precursors and their magnetization vs. the magnetic field.

Highlights

  • Nanoparticles with the composition Ni67.5Cu32.5 were synthesized by the sol–gel method.

  • Silica coatings prepared in situ using APTES in combination with other silica precursors.

  • Magnetization and surface properties are dependent on the applied precursors.

  • Good potential for the use in drug delivery systems due to changes in drug release rate.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support for this project received from the Slovenian Research Agency (grant numbers: P2-0006, P3-0036, and J1-9169). The authors also acknowledge the use of equipment in the Center of Excellence on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology–Nanocenter. The authors also thank Barbara Kaker for assistance with the experimental work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova ulica 17, SI-2000, Maribor, Slovenia

    Matjaž Kristl, Irena Ban, Sašo Gyergyek & Janja Stergar

  2. Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Materials Synthesis, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    Sašo Gyergyek

  3. Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Maribor, Taborska Ulica 8, SI-2000, Maribor, Slovenia

    Uroš Maver & Janja Stergar

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  1. Matjaž Kristl
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Correspondence to Matjaž Kristl.

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Kristl, M., Ban, I., Gyergyek, S. et al. Sol–gel preparation of NixCu1–x/silica nanocomposites using different silica precursors. J Sol-Gel Sci Technol 101, 579–587 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10971-020-05321-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10971-020-05321-z

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