Phase transformation in Mn-doped titania hollow spheres and their biocompatibility studies

Abstract

Mn-doped titania hollow nanospheres were prepared via sacrificial core templating method at room temperature, using carbon spheres as the sacrificial core and template. X-ray diffraction and thermal studies showed the phase transformation of titania from anatase to rutile at temperature as low as 550 °C, when the dopant (i.e., Mn) concentration was increased from 1 to 6 mol % (with respect to Ti). Fourier transform infra red spectroscopic studies have been carried out to determine the surface functional groups, while the spherical and hollow morphology of the titania nanostructures have been confirmed through scanning electron microscopic as well as transmission electron microscopic studies. The chemical composition of the samples has been determined through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies, while their magnetic properties have been studied using superconducting quantum interference device analysis. The biocompatibility and suitability of the nanospheres for intracellular applications has been tested through conventional MTT assay using MDA-MB 231 human breast cancer cell lines.