Our lab synthesizes MnO and Fe3O4 nanoparticles and encapsulates them with PLGA and PLGA-PEG-ALK polymers by single emulsion. The encapsulation of MnO is carried out using a magnetic stirrer and Fe3O4 is encapsulated using an overhead stirrer (because of magnetic properties). We are facing problems regarding the large particle size of encapsulated Fe3O4 NPs (goes up to 1400nm) when compared to encapsulated MnO. We're assuming aggregation of Fe3O4 during encapsulation but we are not sure why. Or can be other issues that we cannot conclude. Could someone help out with this?
Do you synthesize the Fe3O4 NPs before encapsulating, is it correct? you can try to do an in-situ emulsion polymerization. The inorganic precursors of the nanoparticles are introduced in a solvent containing monomers, and under polymerization conditions the nanoparticles are formed through chemical reactions within the pores of the polymer matrix, preventing its aggregation and consequently favoring good distribution of the material throughout the matrix. However, I would say that even with this technique aggregation will also occur, but less than before.
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