Dispersion and Functionalization of Nanoparticles Synthesized by Gas Aggregation Source: Opening New Routes Toward the Fabrication of Nanoparticles for Biomedicine

The need to find new nanoparticles for biomedical applications is pushing the limits of the fabrication methods. New techniques with versatilities beyond the extended chemical routes can provide new insight in the field. In particular, gas aggregation sources offer the possibility to fabricate nanoparticles with controlled size, composition, and structure out of thermodynamics. In this context, the milestone is the optimization of the dispersion and functionalization processes of nanoparticles once fabricated by these routes as they are generated in the gas phase and deposited on substrates in vacuum or ultra-high vacuum conditions. In the present work we propose a fabrication route in ultra-high vacuum that is compatible with the subsequent dispersion and functionalization of nanoparticles in aqueous media and, which is more remarkable, in one single step. In particular, we will present the fabrication of nanoparticles with a sputter gas aggregation source using a Fe50B50 target and their further dispers...