Facile synthesis of pectin coated Fe3O4 nanospheres by the sonochemical method

Pectin coated Fe3O4 magnetic nanospheres (PCMNs) were synthesized by the sonochemical method. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared by chemical precipitation as reported in the previous articles, and the PCMNs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, a vibrating sample magnetometer and energy dispersive X-ray spectrum. The results indicated that the magnetic nanoparticles have been coated by pectin, magnetite content of which was up to 63%, with the saturation magnetization being 32.69emu/g. The formation mechanism and further application of PCMNs have also been discussed. The results show that the PCMNs can be applied to biomedical applications. ► Using the sonochemical method to synthesize the pectin coated magnetic nanospheres makes it easier to load the drugs. ► Pectin is difficult to digest and can only be degraded in colon; it has a bright future in colon targeting. ► This method can control the particle size distribution and magnetic content effectively.