Preparation and properties of multi-functional Fe3O4@PNIPAM-AAM@Au composites

Multi-functional Fe3O4@poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylamide)@Au composites were prepared through the hydrophilic and hydrophobic interaction. The composites have combined the advantageous properties of magnetite, thermo-sensitive gel and gold nanoparticle, and can respond to magnetism, temperature and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylamide) has a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of 40.1 °C, and the temperature in the magnetocaloric effect of the composites can rise up to 45 °C. Moreover, crystal violet (CV) was used as probe molecules for SERS experiments, showing that the composites have sensitivity to SERS response. Hence the composites would be expected to be applied to spectroscopic detection, drug delivery and controlled drug release, and tumor hyperthermia.

► Multi-functional Fe3O4@poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylamide)@Au composites were prepared.
► Composites have combined the advantageous properties of magnetite, thermo-sensitive gel and gold nanoparticle, and can respond to magnetism, temperature and surface enhanced Raman scattering.
► The temperature in the magnetocaloric effect of the composites can rise up to 45 °C.
► The poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylamide) has a lower critical solution temperature of 40.1 °C.