We describe a synthetic method for increasing
and controlling the iron loading of synthetic melanin
nanoparticles and use the resulting materials to perform a
systematic quantitative investigation on their structure-
property relationship. A comprehensive analysis by
magnetometry, electron paramagnetic resonance, and
nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion reveals the complexities
of their magnetic behavior and how these intraparticle
magnetic interactions manifest in useful material properties
such as their performance as MRI contrast agents. This
analysis allows predictions of the optimal iron loading
through a quantitative modeling of antiferromagnetic
coupling that arises from proximal iron ions. This study provides a detailed understanding of this complex class of
synthetic biomaterials and gives insight into interactions and structures prevalent in naturally occurring melanins.
Revised: May 4, 2020 |
Published: November 1, 2016
Citation
Li Y., Y. Xie, Z. Wang, N. Zang, F. Carniato, Y. Huang, and C. Andolina, et al. 2016.Structure and Function of Iron-Loaded Synthetic Melanin.ACS Nano 10, no. 11:10186-10194.PNNL-SA-120425.doi:10.1021/acsnano.6b05502