Iron nanoparticles and zirconium metal-organic frameworks for therapeutic application
type: CreativeWork
description: This thesis reports experiments pertaining to the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) targeted at biomedical applications. Chapter 1 introduces the theoretical grounding for the present work and describes the ideas which were used to inform the direction of the project. Specifically, the classes of materials researched in this work are disclosed and current literature limitations explored. Synthetic approaches are described. The ability of MOFs and NPs to fulfil the desired applications of drug delivery and magnetic heating, respectively, are discussed. Conclusions are reached as to what properties an ideal material would feature. Chapter 2 describes the experimental and analytical procedures employed in the synthesis and characterisation of the materials prepared in this work. The interdisciplinary nature of this project required a broad spectrum of instrumentation to analyse the produced materials, and these procedures are outlined. Experiments carried out in Chapter 3 sought to create and optimise a synthesis for highly magnetic Fe NPs. Various systems are presented in which modulation of reaction parameters was undertaken to achieve optimal properties in terms of magnetic behaviour and monodispersity of the afforded product. Ferrous NPs were synthesised via the thermal decomposition of iron pentacarbonyl in the presence of oleylamine, polyvinylpyrrolidone, didodecyldimethylammonium bromide, oleic acid, or mixtures thereof. Use of single surfactants led to passive oxidation of the synthesised particles. However, deployment of a dual surfactant reaction medium led to the synthesis of core@shell Fe@Fe3O4 NPs which resisted progressive oxidation of the core for > 6 months. Microscopic studies revealed a carbonaceous interface between the Fe core and oxide shell, whose presence is suggested to be critical to this sustained oxidative stability. Chapter 4 presents the synthesis of MOF NPs of differing topologies, porosities and…
abstract: This thesis reports experiments pertaining to the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) targeted at biomedical applications. Chapter 1 introduces the theoretical grounding for the present work and describes the ideas which were used to inform the direction of the project. Specifically, the classes of materials researched in this work are disclosed and current literature limitations explored. Synthetic approaches are described. The ability of MOFs and NPs to fulfil the desired applications of drug delivery and magnetic heating, respectively, are discussed. Conclusions are reached as to what properties an ideal material would feature. Chapter 2 describes the experimental and analytical procedures employed in the synthesis and characterisation of the materials prepared in this work. The interdisciplinary nature of this project required a broad spectrum of instrumentation to analyse the produced materials, and these procedures are outlined. Experiments carried out in Chapter 3 sought to create and optimise a synthesis for highly magnetic Fe NPs. Various systems are presented in which modulation of reaction parameters was undertaken to achieve optimal properties in terms of magnetic behaviour and monodispersity of the afforded product. Ferrous NPs were synthesised via the thermal decomposition of iron pentacarbonyl in the presence of oleylamine, polyvinylpyrrolidone, didodecyldimethylammonium bromide, oleic acid, or mixtures thereof. Use of single surfactants led to passive oxidation of the synthesised particles. However, deployment of a dual surfactant reaction medium led to the synthesis of core@shell Fe@Fe3O4 NPs which resisted progressive oxidation of the core for > 6 months. Microscopic studies revealed a carbonaceous interface between the Fe core and oxide shell, whose presence is suggested to be critical to this sustained oxidative stability. Chapter 4 presents the synthesis of MOF NPs of differing topologies, porosities and…
author: Mehta, Joshua
language: eng
keywords: nanotechnology, drug delivery, metal-organic framework
license: https://apollo8-f-pro.lib.cam.ac.uk/bitstreams/38682e43-358f-481d-b7f2-7334ab15869e/download
license: https://www.rioxx.net/licenses/all-rights-reserved/
date published: 2020-04-01
date modified: 2026-07-22T22:24:30Z
provider: Cambridge University
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: University of Cambridge

PropertyValue
property ID: DOI
value: 10.17863/CAM.58219