Synthesis and antibacterial properties of Fe₃O₄-Ag nanostructures

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were obtained in the polyethylene glycol environment. An effect of precipitation and drying temperatures on the size of the prepared nanoparticles was observed. Superparamagnetic iron oxide Fe₃O₄, around of 15 nm, was obtained at a precipitation temperature of 80°C and a drying temperature of 60°C. The presence of functional groups characteristic for a polyethylene glycol surfactant on the surface of nanoparticles was confirmed by FTIR and XPS measurements. Silver nanoparticles were introduced by the impregnation. Fe₃O₄-Ag nanostructure with bactericidal properties against Escherichia coli species was produced. Interesting magnetic properties of these materials may be helpful to separate the bactericidal agent from the solution.