Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) study of magneto-vesicles

Small-angle neutron scattering from magneto-vesicles (MVs) prepared by extrusion was studied. Contrast variation allowed the determination of structure and sizes of the vesicles and the encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles, respectively. The results from Ws synthesized with a 0.3% volume fraction of citrate-coated magnetic nanoparticles are compared to those of similarly prepared vesicles of the neutral lipid 1,2-Dioleoyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphocholine (DOPC) (without magnetic particles), and magnetic particles not encapsulated in vesicles. It is observed that the bilayers of the as-prepared MVs, and the encapsulated nanoparticles retain their structural properties, highlighting the suitability of the MVs for applications.