Enhanced functionalization of Mn2O3@SiO2 core-shell nanostructures

Core-shell nanostructures of Mn2O3@SiO2, Mn2O3@amino-functionalized silica, Mn2O3@vinyl-functionalized silica, and Mn2O3@allyl-functionalized silica were synthesized using the hydrolysis of the respective organosilane precursor over Mn2O3 nanoparticles dispersed using colloidal solutions of Tergitol and cyclohexane. The synthetic methodology used is an improvement over the commonly used post-grafting or co-condensation method as it ensures a high density of functional groups over the core-shell nanostructures. The high density of functional groups can be useful in immobilization of biomolecules and drugs and thus can be used in targeted drug delivery. The high density of functional groups can be used for extraction of elements present in trace amounts. These functionalized core-shell nanostructures were characterized using TEM, IR, and zeta potential studies. The zeta potential study shows that the hydrolysis of organosilane to form the shell results in more number of functional groups on it as compared to the shell formed using post-grafting method. The amino-functionalized core-shell nanostructures were used for the immobilization of glucose and L-methionine and were characterized by zeta potential studies.