This Croatian Science Foundation Installation project focuses on the development of a gamma-radiolytic method for the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles, with the special emphasis on influence of polymers. Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have a wide application as sensors, contrast agents in MRI, protein separation, controlled release of drugs, hyperthermia treatment of cancer cells, etc. Gamma-irradiation is a relatively new and environmentally friendly method for synthesis of nanoparticles of controlled size, shape and phase composition.

In this project, the influence of various gamma-irradiation parameters such as dose and dose rate, pH of the precursor solution, on the reducing conditions in suspension, the size and phase composition of isolated Fe-oxide nanoparticles and the size and stability of nanoparticles in suspension will be systematically investigated. Particular attention will be paid to the influence of selected polymers (such as various dextrans, PEO, PVP and/or PVA), and its concentration and average molecular weight. The reducing conditions obtained will be measured by quantitative determination of the concentration of Fe2+ ions produced in irradiated suspensions. Optimal experimental conditions will be found for the radiolytic synthesis of a stable suspension of superparamagnetic nanoparticles. In the final phase, the possibility of radiolytic coating of gold on the surface of the synthesized magnetic nanoparticles will be studied. The synthesized nanomaterials will be tested as a substrate for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy.