The preparation of maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) micro and nanoparticles coated with chitosan, used as carriers for immobilized enzyme was investigated. Maghemite nanoparticles were synthesized by coprecipitation of Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions in the presence of ammonium. They were coated with chitosan by microemulsion process, suspension cross-linking technique, and covalent binding of chitosan on maghemite surface. The methods distinguished in concentration of chitosan, concentration of acetic acid solution, concentration of cross-linking agent, temperature of synthesis, pH of the medium, and time of synthesis. Maghemite chitosan micro and nanoparticles differed in size and in the quantity of coated chitosan. The various preparation methods of maghemite nanoparticles coated with chitosan were evaluated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry analysis (DSC) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). These positive attributes demonstrated that these magnetic micro and nanoparticles coated with chitosan may be used as a promising carrier for further diverse biomedical applications.
COBISS.SI-ID: poslano v