Radio frequency plasma assisted surface modification of Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles using polyaniline/polypyrrole for bioimaging and magnetic hyperthermia applications

Surface modification of superparamagnetic Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles using polymers (polyaniline/polypyrrole) was done by radio frequency (r.f.) plasma polymerization technique and characterized by XRD, TEM, TG/DTA and VSM. Surface-passivated Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles with polymers were having spherical/rod-shaped structures with superparamagnetic properties. Broad visible photoluminescence emission bands were observed at 445 and 580 nm for polyaniline-coated Fe(3)O(4) and at 488 nm for polypyrrole-coated Fe(3)O(4). These samples exhibit good fluorescence emissions with L929 cellular assay and were non-toxic. Magnetic hyperthermia response of Fe(3)O(4) and polymer (polyaniline/polypyrrole)-coated Fe(3)O(4) was evaluated and all the samples exhibit hyperthermia activity in the range of 42–45 °C. Specific loss power (SLP) values of polyaniline and polypyrrole-coated Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles (5 and 10 mg/ml) exhibit a controlled heat generation with an increase in the magnetic field. [Image: see text]