Abstract
Nucleotides and metal ions could assemble spontaneously in water to form spherical colloidal particles through coordination polymerization. The encapsulation of guest molecules and nanoscale materials in these supramolecular networks holds promise to tailor their functions for various applications. In this work, adenosine 5’-triphosphate modified porous hollow superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (PHNPs) was served as a scaffold for defining assembly of the amorphous shell from adenine and gold ions. The size of the hybrid nanoparticles could be controlled by adjusting reaction conditions such as reaction time, concentration, and the ratio of reactants. Transmission electron microscopy results revealed the formation of hierarchical self-assembled nanoparticles in sizes ranging from 140 nm to 220 nm in diameter. Moreover, fluorescent dyes and drug molecules were also encapsulated successfully during the self-assembly process. When mixing with glutathione, an observable increase of florescence indicated the gradual release of guest molecules from the dye-incorporated hybrid nanoparticles. Triggered release was also accessible to high-frequency magnetic field change. Overall, the present hybrid nanoparticles provide versatile functionalities in a variety of applications. Their utilization in drug delivery and controlled release is currently in progress.