Radio frequency plasma assisted surface modification of Fe3O4 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.