Hybrid magnetite materials are interesting for both biomedical and catalytic applications due to their well-known biocompatibility, as well as their magnetic and electric properties. In this work we prepared Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) coated with tannic acid (TA), a natural polyphenol, through two different synthetic routes, aiming to understand the influence of TA in the synthesis step and contribute to the development of water-dispersible magnetic materials. The coating process was verified by information obtained from transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta-potential and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The incorporation of TA after Fe3O4 NPs production generated spherical NPs smaller than 10 nm, suggesting that TA plays a fundamental role in the nucleation and organization of Fe3O4 NPs. Data from both density functional theory (DFT) and FTIR allowed us to infer that Fe3O4 interacts mainly with the carbonyl groups of TA. Hybrid materials having improved water-dispersibility are very attractive for biomedical applications.

Neste trabalho, a síntese e a caracterização de nanopartículas de ouro (AuNPs) estabilizadas com quitosana (Chit), assim como a capacidade deste material para formar filmes automontados multicamadas com ftalocianina tetrassulfonada de cobalto(II) (CoTsPc), são reportadas. Este novo material híbrido baseado em Chit-AuNPs e CoTsPc foi caracterizado por diversas técnicas, e as propriedades eletroquímicas de um eletrodo de ITO (óxido de estanho dopado com índio) modificado com Chit-AuNPs e CoTsPc foram investigadas. A quitosana evitou a aglomeração das AuNPs (diâmetro de 6,0 nm), formando uma suspensão coloidal estável por meses. A interação entre as AuNPs e as moléculas de quitosana ocorre principalmente pelos grupamentos CH2 e NH3+ da quitosana. Para os filmes automontados de Chit-AuNPs/CoTsPc, observou-se uma interação supramolecular entre as multicamadas, além do fato de que as AuNPs influenciaram as propriedades redox da CoTsPc. A presença das nanopartículas não só aumentou a área eletroativa do eletrodo, mas também a velocidade de transferência de carga, indicando que este material é um candidato muito promissor para futuras aplicações em dispositivos eletroquímicos.

In this work, we report the synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) stabilized with chitosan (Chit), as well as the capability of this material to form multilayer films with cobalt(II) tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine (CoTsPc). The new hybrid material based on Chit-AuNPs and CoTsPc was characterized by several techniques, and the electrochemical properties of an ITO (indium tin oxide) electrode modified with Chit-AuNPs and CoTsPc were investigated. Chit prevented AuNPs (diameter of 6.0 nm) agglomeration, forming a colloidal suspension that was stable for months. The interaction between the AuNPs and Chit molecules occurs mainly through the CH2 and NH3+ groups from Chit. Supramolecular interaction was observed for multilayer films of Chit-AuNPs/CoTsPc, and the AuNPs influenced the redox properties of CoTsPc. The presence of the nanoparticles not only increased the electroactive area of the electrodes, but also the rate of charge-transfer, suggesting that this material is a very promising candidate for further applications in electrochemical devices.