Nanoparticle Surface Functionalization-Amination (-NH₂)

Amination is an organic chemical reaction that usually refers to the introduction of an amino group (NH₂) into an organic molecule. This process can be achieved by different chemical methods, the most common of which is the use of amination reagents reacting with organic compounds. Amination reagents are usually compounds containing amino groups, such as ammonia water, ammonia gas, amino compounds (such as methylamine, ethylamine, etc.) or other nitrogen sources.

Surface chemical modification of nanoparticles plays a key role in nanomaterials science and applications, including the amination of side and terminal groups of nanoparticles. These modifications can change the chemical properties, stability, and interactions of nanoparticles, making them more suitable for different applications such as catalysis, biomedicine, sensors, and materials science. Amination modification can not only change the chemical properties of nanoparticles, but also improve their biocompatibility, reduce toxicity, and increase their efficiency in specific applications. Therefore, in nanoscience and nanotechnology, amination is one of the important surface modification strategies that can help achieve a wider range of applications. CD Bioparticles is dedicated to cutting-edge nanotechnology research. We have created an advanced nanomaterial modification platform that can be used to amination modify the side and terminal groups of various nanoparticles.

Introduction to Nanoparticle Surface Amination

Nanoparticle side groups and terminal amination are two common strategies for surface amination modification of nanomaterials, which are used to change the surface properties, functions and applications of nanoparticles. Both modification methods involve the introduction of amino (NH₂) functional groups to the surface of nanoparticles, but their applications and effects differ.

Figure 1. Preparation scheme of the NH₂-SiO₂/Cu-Ni nanocatalyst. (Zakaria Sarkar, et al.; 2022)

Side-group amination: Side-group amination refers to the introduction of amino functional groups on the surface of nanoparticles and making them part of the surface. This is usually achieved by reacting compounds containing amino functional groups with nanoparticles. For example, amino compounds such as ammonia, aminosilanes, or aminated organic molecules can be used to modify the nanoparticle surface. These amino functional groups can react chemically with other molecules or compounds, such as forming covalent or hydrogen bonds, giving the nanoparticles new properties. Side group amination is often used to improve the dispersion, stability, and biocompatibility of nanoparticles.

Terminal amination: Terminal amination refers to attaching an amino functional group to the end of a nanoparticle, usually through molecular anchoring. This modification method can be used to control the functional group density and position of the nanoparticles, thereby affecting their performance in different applications. For example, terminal amination can be achieved by linking an aminated organic molecule or polymer to the terminus of the nanoparticle. This can be used to prepare nanoparticles with specific chemical properties and biological activities for applications such as drug delivery, biosensing, and catalysis.

The specific features of nanoparticle surface amination include:

• Introduction of amino functional groups: Surface amination can introduce amino functional groups (NH₂) on the surface of nanoparticles. This increases the functional properties of the nanoparticles.
• Surface activity: After amination, the nanoparticle surface generally becomes more reactive. This means they can react chemically with other molecules or surfaces, such as covalent or hydrogen bond formation. This activity makes nanoparticles more functional in various applications.
• Improved dispersion: Surface amination can improve the dispersion of nanoparticles, making them easier to disperse in different solvents. This is important for the stability and application of nanoparticles, especially in liquids.
• Enhanced biocompatibility: Through amination, the biocompatibility of nanoparticles is often improved, meaning they are more suitable for biomedical applications such as drug delivery, cell imaging, and biosensing.
• Selective functionalization: Surface amination can be achieved by selecting different types of amino compounds. This allows researchers to tailor the surface chemistry of nanoparticles to specific needs.

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• Side chain amination: This is one of the most common types of nanoparticle amination, in which amino functional groups (NH₂) are introduced to the surface of the nanoparticles as side chain functional groups.
• Terminal amination: In this type of amination, an amino functional group is attached to the terminus of the nanoparticle, usually through molecular anchoring or covalent bonding.
• Sulfur compound modification: Amination of nanoparticles can be achieved by sulfur compounds. For example, in the amination of gold nanoparticles, sulfur compounds (such as thiol compounds) can react with the gold surface to form sulfur-gold bonds while introducing amino functional groups on the thiol groups. This modification method is widely used to prepare biofunctionalization of gold nanoparticles.
• Polymer coating: Amination can be achieved by coating the surface of the nanoparticles with polymers with amino functional groups. This coating can provide additional protection and functionality while introducing amino functional groups to achieve desired properties.
• Oxide surface treatment: For oxide nanoparticles, amination can be achieved by oxide surface treatment methods, such as nitrogen plasma treatment or chemical vapor deposition. These methods can introduce amino functional groups on the surface of oxide nanoparticles to improve their surface properties.

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References

1. Zakaria Sarkar, et al.; Amine functional silica–supported bimetallic Cu-Ni nanocatalyst and investigation of some typical reductions of aromatic nitro-substituents. Colloid and Polymer Science. 2022, 300(4):1-18.
2. Bagherzadeh M, et al.; Bioengineering of CuO porous (nano)particles: role of surface amination in biological, antibacterial, and photocatalytic activity. Sci Rep. 2022, 12(1):15351.