Preparation of pH-sensitive lipid-modified magnetite nanoparticle dispersion

This paper describes a preparation method for a highly stable magnetite nanoparticle clusters (MNPCs) dispersion using crystalline lipid nanotubes (LNTs). LNTs were used as a coating material owing to their crystallinity. Oleic acid (OA) was employed as a co-dispersant to enhance the dispersibility of the glycolipid-modified MNPCs. The combination of two lipids was effective in producing a stable dispersion; they formed a coating layer on the MNPCs and nanofibers in the dispersion. The nanofibers enhanced the dispersion stability of the MNPCs by forming a network structure. The resulting MNPCs were characterized in terms of morphology, particle size, zeta potential, magnetic properties, re-dispersibility, and biocompatibility. The stability of the dispersion changed with pH. In acidic conditions, most of the MNPCs and nanofibers could be easily removed by using a magnet. The resulting materials have the potential for application in biomedical as well as industrial industries.

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► Lipid nanotubes as a coating agent and oleic acid as a co-dispersant.
► Nanofibers formed from the combination of the two lipids.
► They enhance the stability of the dispersion.
► In acidic conditions, the nanofibers and the lipid-coated MNPs are completely separated from the aqueous medium.