Conjugation of polyethylenimine and its derivatives to carbon-encapsulated iron nanoparticles

摘要: Carbon-based nanomaterials functionalized by cationic polymers are interesting starting materials for the development of nanotheranostic systems. In this study, polyethylenimine (PEI) and its pre-synthesized derivatives were conjugated to carbon-encapsulated iron nanoparticles (CEINs). Branched PEIs various molecular weight derivatized. The aim polymer modification was introduce carboxylic functionality PEI structure. Two different synthetic pathways proposed: amide-type reaction with succinic acid anhydride reductive amination using p-formylbenzoic acid. analyzed means spectroscopic methods (NMR FT-IR). order determine ratio primary, secondary tertiary amine groups in modified polymers, inverted-gate 13C NMR spectroscopy applied. Next, CEINs two surface linkers pristine derivatives. conjugation surface-modified carried out carbodiimide–amine type reaction. success process confirmed thermogravimetry infrared spectroscopy. morphological details transmission electron microscopy, whilst zeta potential average particle size determined dynamic light scattering. It found that linker key factors which crucially influenced functionalization yield physicochemical features synthesized nanoplatforms. best dispersion stability aqueous media smallest mean hydrodynamic longer linker.