Nanoparticles: Chemistry and Applications

In the first part of the course basic concepts on the nanoparticles, their physico-chemical properties and how these latter can be modulated changing nanoparticles size will be presented. In particular, the synthetic procedures (using both top-down and bottom-up approaches) for the preparation of different nanoparticle classes (metallic, semiconductors and quantum dots) will be described. The peculiar properties of the different types of nanoparticles (absorption, emission, modulation of the nanosized semiconductors band gap etc.) will be described. The most relevant strategies for nanoparticles stabilization in colloidal suspension, for the choice of the capping material as a function of the biomedical use of the nano-object, will be presented, as well as the techniques most commonly employed for their characterization in the solid state (TEM, SEM and AFM) and in suspension (DLS and Z-Potential). Some recent applications will be discussed.

In the second part of the course basic principles of superparamagnetic nanoparticles are illustrated: in particular, definitions, characteristics and potential applications are presented. In detail, iron oxide nanoparticles, such as maghemite and magnetite are discussed in terms of magnetic characteristics, synthesis and stabilization methods. The most important methods of functionalization of nanoparticles surface with organic molecules and biomolecules are presented. Basic principles of biomedical applications are also described: 1] in diagnostics, through the use of nanoparticles as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging and 2] in therapy, thanks to their ability to give hyperthermia, drug transport, vector for cells uptake. In the last part of the course basic principles of Halloysite nanotubes are described, as innovative nanosystems for potential applications in diagnostics and therapy.