Synthesis of Biocompatible Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPION) under Different Microfluidic Regimes

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) have a great potential in both diagnostic and therapeutic applications as they provide contrast in magnetic resonance imaging techniques and allow magnetic hyperthermia and drug delivery. Though various types of SPION are commercially available, efforts to improve the quality of SPION are highly in demand. Here, we describe a strategy for optimization of SPION synthesis under microfluidics using the coprecipitation approach. Synthesis parameters such as temperature, pH, iron salt concentration, and coating materials were investigated in continuous and segmented flows. Continuous flow allowed synthesizing particles of a smaller size and higher stability than segmented flow, while both conditions improved the quality of particles compared to batch synthesis. The most stable particles were obtained at a synthesis condition of 6.5 M NH