Figure 1

PMNC synthesis: Preparation of the PMNC using a base catalyzed condensation reaction to attach a 3-APTS modified protoporphyrin IX to silica coated magnetite nanoparticles. (i) A thin silica layer is introduced on the magnetite nanoparticle surface by employing TMAH and sodium silicate. (ii) An amide coupling reaction is performed between the carboxylic acid groups of protoporphyrin IX and 3-APTS. (iii) A base catalysed hydrolysis between the modified porphyrin and the silica coated magnetite nanoparticles results in a magnetic-fluorescent nanocomposite.