Study on stable dispersion of functionalized Fe-MWCNTs

One of the most interesting molecular hybrid based on Multi-wall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) in respect of their medical applications (such as hyperthermia or drug delivery) is iron filled MWCNTs (Fe-MWCNTs). The significant barrier to realize this potential utilization of Fe-MWCNTs is their natural tendency to aggregate in aqueous buffers. Therefore here, we present a novel route to create a stable suspension of this system in a biocompatible aqueous solution of glicolipid Psychosine (Galactosyl-β1-sphingosine). This step was performed via the covalent linkage of the glicolipid and the external moieties of the tubes. It is worth noting that the functional groups on Fe-MWCNTs surface have been formed using a mild and non-invasive treatment employing galactose in order to preserve the ferromagnetic properties of the iron filled tubes.