Cellulose nanocrystal supported superparamagnetic nanorods with aminated silica shell: synthesis and properties

Superparamagnetic nanorods consisting of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), ferrosoferric oxide (Fe3O4), and surface-aminated silica (SiO2–NH2) were synthesized for the first time for targeted biomedical applications (i.e., cell imaging). CNCs and Fe3O4 were used as the template and magnetic property provider, respectively. The silica was functionized as magnetite core protector and rich amino group supplier. The synthesized nanorods exhibited a core–shell architecture (i.e., CNCs/Fe3O4 core and aminated silica shell). Due to the coated silica shell, thermal stability of the nanorods was improved with the onset decomposition temperature increased by 135 °C compared with that of the uncoated CNCs. Because of the existence of the positively charged amino groups, the nanorods were easily linked with fluorescent dyes for cell imaging in biomedical applications.