Abstract

In this study, the eco-friendly fabrication system of the hierarchical monodisperse Fe 2 O 3 supraparticles (SPs) is systematically studied. First, by means of urea as pH modulator, monodisperse Fe 2 O 3 SPs with 7 to 90 nm in diameters can be one-step in situ self-assembled in 100% water solution. Then, the SPs can be reliably fabricated by various carboxyl stabilizers, indicating the versatility of the proposed fabrication system. Third, by means of gallic acid (GA) modification, the corresponding products (denoted as Fe 2 O 3 @GA SPs) can be endowed near-infrared light-absorbing properties and photothermal therapy potentials. Fourth, the Fe 2 O 3 @GA SPs exhibit size-dependent photothermal performances and cellular uptake. In terms of 8 nm sized Fe 2 O 3 @GA SPs, their photothermal conversion efficiency and cellular uptake are 66.63% and 8.4 pg Fe/cell, both of which are higher than that of 25 and 47 nm sized products.