Thermal decomposition of organometallic precursors: addressing the problem of the thermal decomposition process via an original approach: microfluidics

Description

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are used in the biomedical field to strengthen the diagnosis during MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) examinations by increasing significantly the contrast on MRI scans. Their use in such application has encouraged researchers to continue their efforts to develop reliable procedures for the synthesis of nanoparticles with desired properties. Among existing techniques, the thermal decomposition of organometallic precursors has progressively emerged as a reference. This technique has proved to be particularly effective for the synthesis of nano-objects perfectly defined in size, shape and composition. Despite these qualities, the process suffers from major drawbacks which limit its use. To overcome these limitations, we propose, as part of this project, to address the problem of thermal decomposition process through an original approach: microfluidics. More specifically, the technique will be adapted for the preparation of superparamagnetic particles smaller than 5 nm (ESION). As such particles can find concrete applications in the field of MRI angiography, our attention will be focused on the problematic of surface modification (by the synthesis of original ligands, but also the development of ligand transfer methods), and on the study of their biological properties.