Magnetic Langmuir-Blodgett films of ferritin with different iron contents.
Magnetic Langmuir-Blodgett films of four ferritin derivatives with different iron contents containing 4220, 3062, 2200, and 1200 iron atoms, respectively, have been prepared by using the adsorption properties of a 6/1 mixed monolayer of methyl stearate (SME) and dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODA). The molecular organization of the mixed SME/DODA monolayer is strongly affected by the presence of the water-soluble protein in the subphase as shown by pi-A isotherms, BAM images, and imaging ellipsometry at the water-air interface. BAM images reveal the heterogeneity of this mixed monolayer at the air-water interface. We propose that the ferritin is located under the mixed matrix in thos…
Apoferritin-encapsulated Ni and Co superparamagnetic nanoparticles
Ni and Co nanoparticles (average diameters 3 and 3.5 nm) have been prepared within the apoferritin cavity. The protein shell prevents bulk aggregation of the metal particles, rendering them water soluble. X-Ray diffraction, transmission electronic microscopy and magnetization measurements have been used for characterizing the nanoparticles. The magnetic study of both nanoparticles confirmed the expected superparamagnetic behavior.