Synthesis and Characterization of Rod-shaped Gold Nanoshell on the Magnetite (Fe3O4) Core

Objective(s): This paper describes the preparation and characterization of rod-shape gold nanoshells over Fe3O4 nanorods. This hybrid nanostructure combines plasmonic properties of the gold nanoshells and magnetic behavior of the magnetite nanorods in a single platform which turns it into a promising choice for multi-purpose biomedical applications Methods: The Fe3O4 core was formed via hydrazine reduction of FeOOH rods synthesized through a simple hydrothermal method. The Fe3O4 core was then modified with APTES and underwent gold seeding and plating to form the final nanoshell. The formation of FeOOH and Fe3O4 particels were confirmed through x-ray diffraction analysis. Results: The formed particles showed rode shape morphology based on scanning electron microscopy. The Fe3O4/Au (core/shell) particles showed two broad surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption peaks around 750 nm and 930 nm. Both SPR peaks are in the transmission window for biological entities (skin, tissue, and hemoglobin). Conclusions: These combined magnetic and optical properties suggest the rod-shaped gold nanoshell as a proper theranostic agent for biomedical applications.