Approaches to the functionalization of cerium oxide nanoparticles.

Abstract

This study presents a two-step surface modification approach for cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs) to enhance their stability and functionality. The nanoparticles were first functionalized with a siloxane shell through controlled hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) in an alcohol/ammonia system. This process created a robust Si-O-Si network on the nanoparticle surface, significantly improving their hydrophobicity, chemical stability, and dispersibility in organic media while maintaining accessible silanol groups for subsequent modifications.
As an analogue nanoparticles were further modified with a biocompatible polymer layer using poly(maleic anhydride-alt-1-octadecene) (PMAO) grafted with Jeffamine. The amine-terminated Jeffamine chains reacted with the anhydride groups of PMAO, forming a stable polymer coating that enhanced the nanoparticles' colloidal stability in aqueous environments and reduced their cytotoxicity. The polymer shell also provided functional groups suitable for bioconjugation applications, such as drug loading or targeted delivery systems.
Comprehensive characterization including FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the successful formation of both siloxane and polymer coatings, while TEM imaging revealed a uniform 5-30 nm polymer layer surrounding the nanoparticles. DLS measurements demonstrated significantly reduced particle aggregation and improved stability in various media.
The dual-modified CeO₂ nanoparticles exhibit exceptional potential for biomedical applications, particularly in drug delivery systems and antioxidant therapy, where surface stability and biocompatibility are crucial. Additionally, these functionalized nanoparticles show promise for catalytic applications and advanced nanocomposites due to their tailored surface chemistry and enhanced stability. This modification strategy provides a versatile platform for developing CeO₂-based nanomaterials with precisely controlled surface properties for specific technological and biomedical applications.
The reported study was funded by the Russian Science Foundation (project number 22-63-00082

Speaker

Olga A. Goryacheva
Saratov Fall meeting
Russia

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