Abstract
BACKGROUND: superparamagnetic ferroferric oxide (Fe(3)O(4)) nanoparticles can be extensively functionalized for applications in drug enrichment and separation. Their high magnetic responsiveness and controllable surface modification enable rapid drug enrichment and separation under external magnetic fields. This study aimed to enhance the application potential of superparamagnetic Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles in the field of drug enrichment and separation by functionalizing these nanoparticles to improve their biocompatibility and targeting capabilities. METHODS: superparamagnetic Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles functionalized with dopamine were synthesized using benzyl alcohol as the solvent and iron acetylacetonate as the precursor. The dopamine-functionalized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were used to analyze protein enrichment and separation. Characterization of the nanoparticles was conducted, including analysis of particle size distribution, Zeta potential, and fluorescence spectra using a fluorescence spectrophotometer. RESULTS: the Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles maintained high magnetism from the original material and exhibited uniform particle size distribution and stable Zeta potential. The saturation magnetization of dopamine-functionalized superparamagnetic Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles showed no significant difference compared to before coating, indicating minimal influence of dopamine on the internal magnetic core of the nanoparticles. The Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles demonstrated good biocompatibility and stability. CONCLUSION: functionalization of superparamagnetic Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles significantly enhances their efficiency in drug enrichment and separation processes, suggesting broad applications in the pharmaceutical industry.