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Development of Functionalized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Through Non-Thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Assisted Polymerization for Reducing Cytotoxicity

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Abstract

The study aims to synthesize and homogeneously functionalize iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) using a non-thermal atmospheric pressure (NTAP) plasma for biological applications. IONPs were synthesized using a new NTAP plasma assisted electrolysis technique. The utilization of a unique NTAP plasma rotating reactor allows for a uniform surface functionalization throughout the IONP surface. The precursor used for the functionalization process was acrylic acid (AAc), and it was carried out in response to the applied voltage and monomer flow rate. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) was used to investigate the reactive species in-situ throughout the functionalization process. Vibrating-sample magnetometry (VSM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and X-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to analyse the changes in the chemical, structural, morphological, and magnetic properties of the untreated and functionalized IONPs. Subsequently, chemical dosimetry and the in vitro metabolic activity assay (MTT) were used to analyse the OH• radical production capacity and toxicity of IONPs. The findings showed that the experimental working conditions had a significant impact on retaining the distinctive COOH functional groups on the surface of functionalized IONPs. The coexistence of the hematite (Fe2O3) and magnetite (Fe3O4) phases is revealed by the untreated and functionalized IONPs, which also exhibit marked super paramagnetic performance and a spherical shape. In the end, the IONPs demonstrated clear nontoxicity when they were functionalized at greater flow rates and reduced applied voltage. The analysis results unequivocally demonstrated the functionalized IONPs’ non-toxicity, highlighting their prospective application in the field of biomedicine.

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Acknowledgements

The corresponding author Dr. K. Navaneetha Pandiyaraj would like to acknowledge the Department of Atomic Energy-Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences (DAE-BRNS) (57/14/01/2022-BRNS/34014, dated 01.06.2022), Government of India, for the financial support provided to conduct this research. The author M Pichumani is grateful to The Management, Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College, Coimbatore, India.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, 641020, India

    K. Navaneetha Pandiyaraj & M. Karuppusamy

  2. Laser and Plasma Technology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India

    Vandana Chaturvedi Misra & S. Ghorui

  3. Advanced Magnetics Group, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad, 500058, India

    P. Saravanan

  4. Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA

    Mallikarjuna N. Nadagouda

  5. Department of Nanoscience and Technology, Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College, Coimbatore, 641022, India

    M. Pichumani

  6. NanoLab Graz, Division of Medicinal of Medicinal Chemistry, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstr. 6, Graz, 8010, Austria

    Sebastian P. Schwaminger & Verena Zach

  7. BiotechMed-Graz, Mozartgasse 12, Graz, 8010, Austria

    Sebastian P. Schwaminger

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Contributions

K.N -Wrote the main manuscript M.K-Methodology V.C.M- Formal analysis and Funding S.G- Formal analysis and Funding PS-Methodology and Formal analysis M.N.N-Methodology and Formal analysis M.P-Methodology and Formal analysis S.P.S-Methodology and Formal analysis V.Z-Methodology and Formal analysis.

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Correspondence to K. Navaneetha Pandiyaraj.

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Pandiyaraj, K.N., Karuppusamy, M., Misra, V.C. et al. Development of Functionalized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Through Non-Thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Assisted Polymerization for Reducing Cytotoxicity. Plasma Chem Plasma Process 45, 133–159 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11090-024-10521-4

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