One-Pot Strategy for Conjugation of Amine-Covered Iron Oxide Nanoparticles with Carbohydrates: A Sustainable Alternative

Abstract

Glyconanoparticles have a wide range of applications, from bioseparation to vaccinedevelopment. However, obtaining glyconanoparticles with magnetic response still presentssome challenges, such as achieving high chemical stability, good dispersibility, and properfunctional groups density to enhance the affinity and recognition capability towards targetmolecules without losing their magnetic response. Additionally, there is a growing need touse synthetic methods that have minimal impact on the environment and human health. Thisconsideration is significant for nanomaterials due to the intensive use they are experiencing.This study presents a One-Pot functionalization approach in aqueous and mild conditions thatenables efficient conjugation and de-O-acetylation of carbohydrates to magnetic iron oxidenanoparticles without intermediate purification steps. The process demonstrates versatility tojoin different sugars-azide (peracetylated β-D-Glucose-azide, peracetylated β-D-Galactose-azide, peracetylated α-D-Mannose-azide) and was evaluated using green chemistry metrics,indicating improved sustainability compared to conventional methods. The One-Pot approachreduces toxicity and increases the Green Star Area Index (GSAI) from 20% (conventionalmethod) to 60% (One-Pot method). This is attributed to the use of safer materials, water as areaction medium, and fewer intermediate steps. Furthermore, it offers operational simplicityand enhanced safety compared to previously reported methods.