Claudia Innocenti - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Claudia Innocenti

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization of Free-Standing PEDOT:PSS/Iron Oxide Nanoparticle Composite Thin Films and Application As Conformable Humidity Sensors

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Hyperthermic and Relaxometric Properties of Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles

Zinc substitution is often proposed as an efficient strategy to improve the performances of spine... more Zinc substitution is often proposed as an efficient strategy to improve the performances of spinel ferrite nanoparticles, particularly related to their application as theranostic agents. In this work, a series of 8 nm spinel ferrite nanoparticles of formula CoxZnyFe3-(x+y)O4, is synthesized by thermal decomposition with the purpose of investigating the role of Zn 2+ ions in modifying the structural and magnetic properties. Contrary to most of the literature on this subject, where the sum of Co and Zn is kept constant (x+y=1), here the amount of Co is maintained at ca. x = 0.6, corresponding to the maximum of magnetic anisotropy of the Zn-undoped system, while the amount of Zn is progressively varied along the series from y = 0.05 to y = 0.4. This approach allows enlightening the effect of the Zn introduction on the magnetic and crystal structures and, particularly, on magnetic anisotropy, which is deeply investigated by several complementary techniques. A significant increase of the saturation magnetization, MS, upon the Zn-content up to y = 0.4 is confirmed only at low temperature, while at room temperature this effect is partially nullified by the weakening of the magnetic exchange coupling constants, due to the increasing Zn substitution. Moreover, we demonstrate that the lattice modifications following the Zn introduction are responsible of a strong decrease of the particle magnetic anisotropy. Overall, these effects limit the use of Zn-substituted ferrites in biomedical applications like MRI and magnetic fluid hyperthermia, only to very low amount of Zn, as here confirmed by relaxometric and calorimetric measurements.

Research paper thumbnail of Nanometric spinel ferrites: a versatile platform for biomedical and energy applications

Research paper thumbnail of Multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles for enhanced intracellular drug transport

In this paper we report the synthesis and characterization of biocompatible multi-functional magn... more In this paper we report the synthesis and characterization of biocompatible multi-functional magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) able to enhance the intracellular transport of N-methylated drugs. The Fe3O4 magnetic core was first functionalized with a mixed monolayer consisting of two different phosphonic acids having terminal acetylenic and amino groups, which provide an active platform for further functionalization with organic molecules. Then, a tetraphosphonate cavitand receptor (Tiiii) bearing an azide moiety and the N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) activated forms of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), folic acid (FA) and carboxy-X-rhodamine (Rhod) were covalently anchored on alkyne and amine moieties respectively, through 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition and EDC/NHS coupling reactions. The obtained MNPs are biocompatible and possess magnetic, luminescence and recognition properties which make them suitable for multimodal theranostic applications. In particular, combined confocal microscopy and cytotox...

Research paper thumbnail of <title>Sensing the refractive index gradient of the atmosphere</title>

ICO20: Remote Sensing and Infrared Devices and Systems, 2006

The refractive index gradient, averaged over short horizontal paths, in the atmosphere was experi... more The refractive index gradient, averaged over short horizontal paths, in the atmosphere was experimentally investigated by using a method we developed, based on the use of thin parallel laser beams. Horizontal and vertical components of the gradient were shown to be directly related to the corresponding lateral displacements of the beams at the end of the path. The method is here described and results of measurements made in different locations and conditions are presented. Some cases of strong anisotropy were also found, which can be related to the local air convective movements from the ground.

Research paper thumbnail of Multifunctional nanoprobes based on upconverting lanthanide doped CaF 2 : towards biocompatible materials for biomedical imaging

Biomaterials Science, 2014

Lanthanide doped CaF2 nanoparticles are useful for in vivo optical and MR imaging and as nanother... more Lanthanide doped CaF2 nanoparticles are useful for in vivo optical and MR imaging and as nanothermometer probes, which do not induce pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion.

Research paper thumbnail of Coating Effect on the 1H—NMR Relaxation Properties of Iron Oxide Magnetic Nanoparticles

Nanomaterials

We present a 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) relaxometry experimental investigation of two se... more We present a 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) relaxometry experimental investigation of two series of magnetic nanoparticles, constituted of a maghemite core with a mean diameter dTEM = 17 ± 2.5 nm and 8 ± 0.4 nm, respectively, and coated with four different negative polyelectrolytes. A full structural, morpho-dimensional and magnetic characterization was performed by means of Transmission Electron Microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy and DC magnetometry. The magnetization curves showed that the investigated nanoparticles displayed a different approach to the saturation depending on the coatings, the less steep ones being those of the two samples coated with P(MAA-stat-MAPEG), suggesting the possibility of slightly different local magnetic disorders induced by the presence of the various polyelectrolytes on the particles’ surface. For each series, 1H NMR relaxivities were found to depend very slightly on the surface coating. We observed a higher transverse nuclear relaxivity, r2, ...

Research paper thumbnail of Hadron Therapy, Magnetic Nanoparticles and Hyperthermia: A Promising Combined Tool for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

Nanomaterials

A combination of carbon ions/photons irradiation and hyperthermia as a novel therapeutic approach... more A combination of carbon ions/photons irradiation and hyperthermia as a novel therapeutic approach for the in-vitro treatment of pancreatic cancer BxPC3 cells is presented. The radiation doses used are 0–2 Gy for carbon ions and 0–7 Gy for 6 MV photons. Hyperthermia is realized via a standard heating bath, assisted by magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) that utilizes magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) exposed to an alternating magnetic field of amplitude 19.5 mTesla and frequency 109.8 kHz. Starting from 37 °C, the temperature is gradually increased and the sample is kept at 42 °C for 30 min. For MFH, MNPs with a mean diameter of 19 nm and specific absorption rate of 110 ± 30 W/gFe3o4 coated with a biocompatible ligand to ensure stability in physiological media are used. Irradiation diminishes the clonogenic survival at an extent that depends on the radiation type, and its decrease is amplified both by the MNPs cellular uptake and the hyperthermia protocol. Significant increases in DNA doub...

Research paper thumbnail of An Approach for Magnetic Halloysite Nanocomposite with Selective Loading of Superparamagnetic Magnetite Nanoparticles in the Lumen

We present for the first time a method for the preparation of magnetic halloysite nanotubes (HNT)... more We present for the first time a method for the preparation of magnetic halloysite nanotubes (HNT) by loading of preformed superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles (SPION) of diameter size ∼6 nm with a hydrodynamic diameter of ∼10 nm into HNT. We found that the most effective route to reach this goal relies on the modification of the inner lumen of HNT by tetradecylphosphonic acid (TDP) to give HNT− TDP, followed by the loading with preformed oleic acid (OA)-stabilized SPION. Transmission electron microscopy evidenced the presence of highly crystalline magnetic nanoparticles only in the lumen, partially ordered in chainlike structures. Conversely, attempts to obtain the same result by exploiting either the positive charge of the HNT inner lumen employing SPIONs covered with negatively charged capping agents or the in situ synthesis of SPION by thermal decomposition were not effective. HNT−TDP were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and ζpotential, and all of the techniques confirmed the presence of TDP onto the HNT. Moreover, the inner localization of TDP was ascertained by the use of Nile Red, a molecule whose luminescence is very sensitive to the polarity of the environment. The free SPION@OA (as a colloidal suspension and as a powder) and SPION-in-HNT powder were magnetically characterized by measuring the ZFC-FC magnetization curves as well as the hysteresis cycles at 300 and 2.5 K, confirming that the superparamagnetic behavior and the main magnetic properties of the free SPION were preserved once embedded in SPION-in-HNT.

Research paper thumbnail of Water Dispersible Carbohydrate-Coated Ferrite Nanoparticles. Effect of Cobalt Doping in Magneto-Thermal Properties

Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

Research paper thumbnail of Increasing the Magnetic Anisotropy of a Natural System: Co-Doped Magnetite Mineralized in Ferritin Shells

Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

Research paper thumbnail of The Role of Zn2+ Substitution on the Magnetic, Hyperthermic and Relaxometric Properties of Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles

The Journal of Physical Chemistry C

Research paper thumbnail of In-gel study of the effect of magnetic nanoparticles immobilization on their heating efficiency for application in Magnetic Fluid Hyperthermia

Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials

Research paper thumbnail of {"__content__"=>"Magnetic Hyperthermia and Radiation Therapy: Radiobiological Principles and Current Practice .", "sup"=>{"__content__"=>"†"}}

Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland), Jan 3, 2018

Hyperthermia, though by itself generally non-curative for cancer, can significantly increase the ... more Hyperthermia, though by itself generally non-curative for cancer, can significantly increase the efficacy of radiation therapy, as demonstrated by in vitro, in vivo, and clinical results. Its limited use in the clinic is mainly due to various practical implementation difficulties, the most important being how to adequately heat the tumor, especially deep-seated ones. In this work, we first review the effects of hyperthermia on tissue, the limitations of radiation therapy and the radiobiological rationale for combining the two treatment modalities. Subsequently, we review the theory and evidence for magnetic hyperthermia that is based on magnetic nanoparticles, its advantages compared with other methods of hyperthermia, and how it can be used to overcome the problems associated with traditional techniques of hyperthermia.

Research paper thumbnail of Melange turbulent a partir d'une source isolee : geometrie, cinetique et role de la diffusion

Research paper thumbnail of Double passage enhancement of thin beam wandering through atmospheric turbulence

Research paper thumbnail of Method for estimating the outer scale of atmospheric turbulence and its dependence on the model

We recently developed method for estimating the outer scale of tmospheric turbulence based on the... more We recently developed method for estimating the outer scale of tmospheric turbulence based on the correlation functions of lateral displ cements of thin beams propagating horizont lly over short paths.Here,the method is briefly summerized and comparison between the results of the method obtained by using the von Karman and Hill-Andrews models of turbulence is presented.

Research paper thumbnail of Estimating the outer scale of atmospheric turbulence

Research paper thumbnail of Low-order fractional moments for data processing in atmospheric optical scintillation

Intensity moments of any order are proposed and moments of low order (less than 2) are shown to b... more Intensity moments of any order are proposed and moments of low order (less than 2) are shown to be suitable for overcoming the problem of lack of data, due to turbulence non-stationarity, for correctly measuring higher order integer moments in atmospheric optical scintillation.

Research paper thumbnail of Water Dispersal and Functionalization of Hydrophobic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles with Lipid-Modified Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimers

Langmuir, May 30, 2013

A novel and facile method for water dispersal of hydrophobic iron oxide nanoparticles based on th... more A novel and facile method for water dispersal of hydrophobic iron oxide nanoparticles based on the amphiphilic PAMAM-C12 dendrimer is described. Stable and highly concentrated water dispersions of multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles were obtained with this single-step approach, and showed interesting relaxometric properties for MRI applications. Importantly, this method does not require substitution of the native hydrophobic capping under nonmild reaction conditions, thus preserving the structural and magnetic properties of the nanoparticles, and extending the possibility of conjugation with thermally labile groups.

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization of Free-Standing PEDOT:PSS/Iron Oxide Nanoparticle Composite Thin Films and Application As Conformable Humidity Sensors

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Hyperthermic and Relaxometric Properties of Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles

Zinc substitution is often proposed as an efficient strategy to improve the performances of spine... more Zinc substitution is often proposed as an efficient strategy to improve the performances of spinel ferrite nanoparticles, particularly related to their application as theranostic agents. In this work, a series of 8 nm spinel ferrite nanoparticles of formula CoxZnyFe3-(x+y)O4, is synthesized by thermal decomposition with the purpose of investigating the role of Zn 2+ ions in modifying the structural and magnetic properties. Contrary to most of the literature on this subject, where the sum of Co and Zn is kept constant (x+y=1), here the amount of Co is maintained at ca. x = 0.6, corresponding to the maximum of magnetic anisotropy of the Zn-undoped system, while the amount of Zn is progressively varied along the series from y = 0.05 to y = 0.4. This approach allows enlightening the effect of the Zn introduction on the magnetic and crystal structures and, particularly, on magnetic anisotropy, which is deeply investigated by several complementary techniques. A significant increase of the saturation magnetization, MS, upon the Zn-content up to y = 0.4 is confirmed only at low temperature, while at room temperature this effect is partially nullified by the weakening of the magnetic exchange coupling constants, due to the increasing Zn substitution. Moreover, we demonstrate that the lattice modifications following the Zn introduction are responsible of a strong decrease of the particle magnetic anisotropy. Overall, these effects limit the use of Zn-substituted ferrites in biomedical applications like MRI and magnetic fluid hyperthermia, only to very low amount of Zn, as here confirmed by relaxometric and calorimetric measurements.

Research paper thumbnail of Nanometric spinel ferrites: a versatile platform for biomedical and energy applications

Research paper thumbnail of Multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles for enhanced intracellular drug transport

In this paper we report the synthesis and characterization of biocompatible multi-functional magn... more In this paper we report the synthesis and characterization of biocompatible multi-functional magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) able to enhance the intracellular transport of N-methylated drugs. The Fe3O4 magnetic core was first functionalized with a mixed monolayer consisting of two different phosphonic acids having terminal acetylenic and amino groups, which provide an active platform for further functionalization with organic molecules. Then, a tetraphosphonate cavitand receptor (Tiiii) bearing an azide moiety and the N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) activated forms of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), folic acid (FA) and carboxy-X-rhodamine (Rhod) were covalently anchored on alkyne and amine moieties respectively, through 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition and EDC/NHS coupling reactions. The obtained MNPs are biocompatible and possess magnetic, luminescence and recognition properties which make them suitable for multimodal theranostic applications. In particular, combined confocal microscopy and cytotox...

Research paper thumbnail of <title>Sensing the refractive index gradient of the atmosphere</title>

ICO20: Remote Sensing and Infrared Devices and Systems, 2006

The refractive index gradient, averaged over short horizontal paths, in the atmosphere was experi... more The refractive index gradient, averaged over short horizontal paths, in the atmosphere was experimentally investigated by using a method we developed, based on the use of thin parallel laser beams. Horizontal and vertical components of the gradient were shown to be directly related to the corresponding lateral displacements of the beams at the end of the path. The method is here described and results of measurements made in different locations and conditions are presented. Some cases of strong anisotropy were also found, which can be related to the local air convective movements from the ground.

Research paper thumbnail of Multifunctional nanoprobes based on upconverting lanthanide doped CaF 2 : towards biocompatible materials for biomedical imaging

Biomaterials Science, 2014

Lanthanide doped CaF2 nanoparticles are useful for in vivo optical and MR imaging and as nanother... more Lanthanide doped CaF2 nanoparticles are useful for in vivo optical and MR imaging and as nanothermometer probes, which do not induce pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion.

Research paper thumbnail of Coating Effect on the 1H—NMR Relaxation Properties of Iron Oxide Magnetic Nanoparticles

Nanomaterials

We present a 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) relaxometry experimental investigation of two se... more We present a 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) relaxometry experimental investigation of two series of magnetic nanoparticles, constituted of a maghemite core with a mean diameter dTEM = 17 ± 2.5 nm and 8 ± 0.4 nm, respectively, and coated with four different negative polyelectrolytes. A full structural, morpho-dimensional and magnetic characterization was performed by means of Transmission Electron Microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy and DC magnetometry. The magnetization curves showed that the investigated nanoparticles displayed a different approach to the saturation depending on the coatings, the less steep ones being those of the two samples coated with P(MAA-stat-MAPEG), suggesting the possibility of slightly different local magnetic disorders induced by the presence of the various polyelectrolytes on the particles’ surface. For each series, 1H NMR relaxivities were found to depend very slightly on the surface coating. We observed a higher transverse nuclear relaxivity, r2, ...

Research paper thumbnail of Hadron Therapy, Magnetic Nanoparticles and Hyperthermia: A Promising Combined Tool for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

Nanomaterials

A combination of carbon ions/photons irradiation and hyperthermia as a novel therapeutic approach... more A combination of carbon ions/photons irradiation and hyperthermia as a novel therapeutic approach for the in-vitro treatment of pancreatic cancer BxPC3 cells is presented. The radiation doses used are 0–2 Gy for carbon ions and 0–7 Gy for 6 MV photons. Hyperthermia is realized via a standard heating bath, assisted by magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) that utilizes magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) exposed to an alternating magnetic field of amplitude 19.5 mTesla and frequency 109.8 kHz. Starting from 37 °C, the temperature is gradually increased and the sample is kept at 42 °C for 30 min. For MFH, MNPs with a mean diameter of 19 nm and specific absorption rate of 110 ± 30 W/gFe3o4 coated with a biocompatible ligand to ensure stability in physiological media are used. Irradiation diminishes the clonogenic survival at an extent that depends on the radiation type, and its decrease is amplified both by the MNPs cellular uptake and the hyperthermia protocol. Significant increases in DNA doub...

Research paper thumbnail of An Approach for Magnetic Halloysite Nanocomposite with Selective Loading of Superparamagnetic Magnetite Nanoparticles in the Lumen

We present for the first time a method for the preparation of magnetic halloysite nanotubes (HNT)... more We present for the first time a method for the preparation of magnetic halloysite nanotubes (HNT) by loading of preformed superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles (SPION) of diameter size ∼6 nm with a hydrodynamic diameter of ∼10 nm into HNT. We found that the most effective route to reach this goal relies on the modification of the inner lumen of HNT by tetradecylphosphonic acid (TDP) to give HNT− TDP, followed by the loading with preformed oleic acid (OA)-stabilized SPION. Transmission electron microscopy evidenced the presence of highly crystalline magnetic nanoparticles only in the lumen, partially ordered in chainlike structures. Conversely, attempts to obtain the same result by exploiting either the positive charge of the HNT inner lumen employing SPIONs covered with negatively charged capping agents or the in situ synthesis of SPION by thermal decomposition were not effective. HNT−TDP were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and ζpotential, and all of the techniques confirmed the presence of TDP onto the HNT. Moreover, the inner localization of TDP was ascertained by the use of Nile Red, a molecule whose luminescence is very sensitive to the polarity of the environment. The free SPION@OA (as a colloidal suspension and as a powder) and SPION-in-HNT powder were magnetically characterized by measuring the ZFC-FC magnetization curves as well as the hysteresis cycles at 300 and 2.5 K, confirming that the superparamagnetic behavior and the main magnetic properties of the free SPION were preserved once embedded in SPION-in-HNT.

Research paper thumbnail of Water Dispersible Carbohydrate-Coated Ferrite Nanoparticles. Effect of Cobalt Doping in Magneto-Thermal Properties

Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

Research paper thumbnail of Increasing the Magnetic Anisotropy of a Natural System: Co-Doped Magnetite Mineralized in Ferritin Shells

Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

Research paper thumbnail of The Role of Zn2+ Substitution on the Magnetic, Hyperthermic and Relaxometric Properties of Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles

The Journal of Physical Chemistry C

Research paper thumbnail of In-gel study of the effect of magnetic nanoparticles immobilization on their heating efficiency for application in Magnetic Fluid Hyperthermia

Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials

Research paper thumbnail of {"__content__"=>"Magnetic Hyperthermia and Radiation Therapy: Radiobiological Principles and Current Practice .", "sup"=>{"__content__"=>"†"}}

Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland), Jan 3, 2018

Hyperthermia, though by itself generally non-curative for cancer, can significantly increase the ... more Hyperthermia, though by itself generally non-curative for cancer, can significantly increase the efficacy of radiation therapy, as demonstrated by in vitro, in vivo, and clinical results. Its limited use in the clinic is mainly due to various practical implementation difficulties, the most important being how to adequately heat the tumor, especially deep-seated ones. In this work, we first review the effects of hyperthermia on tissue, the limitations of radiation therapy and the radiobiological rationale for combining the two treatment modalities. Subsequently, we review the theory and evidence for magnetic hyperthermia that is based on magnetic nanoparticles, its advantages compared with other methods of hyperthermia, and how it can be used to overcome the problems associated with traditional techniques of hyperthermia.

Research paper thumbnail of Melange turbulent a partir d'une source isolee : geometrie, cinetique et role de la diffusion

Research paper thumbnail of Double passage enhancement of thin beam wandering through atmospheric turbulence

Research paper thumbnail of Method for estimating the outer scale of atmospheric turbulence and its dependence on the model

We recently developed method for estimating the outer scale of tmospheric turbulence based on the... more We recently developed method for estimating the outer scale of tmospheric turbulence based on the correlation functions of lateral displ cements of thin beams propagating horizont lly over short paths.Here,the method is briefly summerized and comparison between the results of the method obtained by using the von Karman and Hill-Andrews models of turbulence is presented.

Research paper thumbnail of Estimating the outer scale of atmospheric turbulence

Research paper thumbnail of Low-order fractional moments for data processing in atmospheric optical scintillation

Intensity moments of any order are proposed and moments of low order (less than 2) are shown to b... more Intensity moments of any order are proposed and moments of low order (less than 2) are shown to be suitable for overcoming the problem of lack of data, due to turbulence non-stationarity, for correctly measuring higher order integer moments in atmospheric optical scintillation.

Research paper thumbnail of Water Dispersal and Functionalization of Hydrophobic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles with Lipid-Modified Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimers

Langmuir, May 30, 2013

A novel and facile method for water dispersal of hydrophobic iron oxide nanoparticles based on th... more A novel and facile method for water dispersal of hydrophobic iron oxide nanoparticles based on the amphiphilic PAMAM-C12 dendrimer is described. Stable and highly concentrated water dispersions of multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles were obtained with this single-step approach, and showed interesting relaxometric properties for MRI applications. Importantly, this method does not require substitution of the native hydrophobic capping under nonmild reaction conditions, thus preserving the structural and magnetic properties of the nanoparticles, and extending the possibility of conjugation with thermally labile groups.