Functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles with 3-aminopropyl silane

Superparamagnetic maghemite nanoparticles were functionalized with 3-aminopropyl triethoxy silane (APS). The influence of the different experimental parameters (temperature, pH, and reactant concentration) on the efficiency of the APS bonding directly to the maghemite nanoparticles or after their coating with a thin layer of silica was systematically studied. The functionalization was followed with measurements of the ζ-potential and direct measurements of the surface APS concentration on the nanoparticles. The surface concentration of the APS was much higher in the case when the APS was bonded to the silica-coated nanoparticles compared to bonding directly to the surfaces of the iron-oxide nanoparticles.