Synthesis and application of homogeneous Fe3O4 core/Au shell nanoparticles with strong SERS effect

Magnetic Fe₃O₄@Au nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated using a specific strategy for use as a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate.

Magnetic and fluorescent carbon-based nanohybrids for multi-modal imaging and magnetic field/NIR light responsive drug carriers

This mini-review summarizes the latest developments and addresses the future perspectives of carbon-based magnetic and fluorescent nanohybrids in the biomedical field.

Facile preparation of hyaluronic acid-modified Fe3O4@Mn3O4 nanocomposites for targeted T1/T2 dual-mode MR imaging of cancer cells

HA-Modified Fe₃O₄@Mn₃O₄ nanocomposites with both r₂ and r₁ relaxivities can be prepared for T₁/T₂ dual-mode MR imaging of cancer cells.

Au nanoshell-coated superparamagnetic Fe3O4–silica composite nanoparticles with surface-modification of an activatable cell-penetrating peptide for tumor-targeted multimode bioimaging and photothermal therapy

The superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄–silica composite nanoparticles coated with Au nanoshells were prepared and subsequently surface-modified with PEG conjugated ACPP for realizing the tumor site-specific multimode bioimaging and photothermal therapy.

Bi-phasic titanium dioxide nanoparticles doped with nitrogen and neodymium for enhanced photocatalysis

Bi-phasic or multi-phasic composite nanoparticles for use in photocatalysis have been produced by a new synthetic approach. Sol-gel methods are used to deposit multiple layers of active material onto soluble substrates. In this work, a layer of rutile (TiO2) was deposited onto sodium chloride pellets followed by an annealing step and a layer of anatase. After dissolving the substrate, bi-phasic nanoparticles containing half anatase and half rutile TiO2; with "Janus-like" characteristics are obtained. Nitrogen and neodymium doping of the materials were observed to enhance the photocatalytic properties both under UV and white light irradiation. The unique advantage of this synthetic method is the ability to systematically dope separate sides of the nanoparticles. Nitrogen doping was found to be most effective on the anatase side of the nanoparticle while neodymium was found to be most effective on the rutile side. Rhodamine B dye was effectively photodegraded by co-doped particles under white light.

Compact chelator-free Ni-integrated CuS nanoparticles with tunable near-infrared absorption and enhanced relaxivity for in vivo dual-modal photoacoustic/MR imaging

A chelator-free doping method is developed for constructing a Ni-integrated CuS nanostructure as a novel PA/MRI contrast agent. It exhibits tunable near-infrared absorption. Moreover, the hybrid nanostructure has demonstrated a dramatically enhanced T1 relaxivity compared with Ni ions. Due to these unique properties, chelator-free nanoparticles have been successfully applied for in vivo PA/MRI dual-modal imaging.

Raman spectroscopy for cancer diagnosis: how far have we come?

Raman spectroscopy is increasingly investigated for cancer diagnosis. As the potential of the technique is explored and realized, it is slowly making its way into clinics. There are more reports in recent years showing promise that it can help clinicians for cancer diagnosis. However, a number of challenges remain to be overcome, especially in vivo cancer diagnosis. In this article, the recent progress of the technique toward clinical cancer diagnosis is discussed from a critical perspective.

Multifunctional magnetic-hollow gold nanospheres for bimodal cancer cell imaging and photothermal therapy

Multifunctional nanocomposites combining imaging and therapeutic functions have great potential for cancer diagnosis and therapy. In this work, we developed a novel theranostic agent based on hollow gold nanospheres (HGNs) and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIO). Taking advantage of the excellent magnetic properties of SPIO and strong near-infrared (NIR) absorption property of HGNs, such nanocomposites were applied to targeted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and photoacoustic imaging (PAI) of cancer cells. In vitro results demonstrated they displayed significant contrast enhancement for T2-weighted MRI and strong PAI signal enhancement. Simultaneously, the nanocomposites exhibited a high photothermal effect under the irradiation of the near-infrared laser and can be used as efficient photothermal therapy (PTT) agents for selective killing of cancer cells. All these results indicated that such nanocomposites combined with MRI-PAI and PTT functionality can have great potential for effective cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Nanosystems: the use of nanoalloys, metallic, bimetallic, and magnetic nanoparticles in biomedical applications

There is a growing interest in the use of nanosystems such as nanoalloys, bimetallic nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles and magnetic nanoparticles in biomedical applications. These applications can be as diverse as hyperthermic treatments; targeted drug delivery; bio-imaging; cell labelling and gene delivery. The use of nanoalloys in these applications has received only limited attention due to the fact that there were many unanswered questions and concerns regarding nanoparticles and nanoalloys such as their stability over time, tendency to agglomerate, chemical activity, ease of oxidation, biocompatibility and cytotoxicity. In this chapter we survey current applications and advances in magnetic nanoparticles used in these biomedical applications so as to understand the materials properties that can pave the way for the use of nanoalloys as a potential alternative or improve solutions that are offered by current materials.

Iron Oxide@PEDOT-Based Recyclable Photothermal Nanoparticles with Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) Sulfobetaines for Rapid and Effective Antibacterial Activity

Growing microbial resistance that renders antibiotic treatment vulnerable has emerged, attracting a great deal of interest in the need to develop alternative antimicrobial treatments. To contribute to this effort, we report magnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) coated with catechol-conjugated poly(vinylpyrrolidone) sulfobetaines (C-PVPS). This negatively charged Fe3O4@C-PVPS is subsequently encapsulated by poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) following a layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly method. The obtained Fe3O4@C-PVPS:PEDOT nanoparticles appear to be novel NIR-irradiated photothermal agents that can achieve effective bacterial killing and are reusable after isolation of the used particles using external magnetic fields. The recyclable Fe3O4@C-PVPS:PEDOT NPs exhibit a high efficiency in converting photothermal heat for rapid antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In this study, antibacterial tests for repeated uses maintained almost 100% antibacterial efficiency during three cycles and provided rapid and effective killing of 99% Gram-positive and -negative bacteria within 5 min of near-infrared (NIR) light exposure. The core-shell nanoparticles (Fe3O4@C-PVPS:PEDOT) exhibit the required stability, and their paramagnetic nature means that they rapidly convert photothermal heat sufficient for use as NIR-irradiated antibacterial photothermal sterilizing agents.

Design of FeBi nanoparticles for imaging applications

A variety of imaging technologies are now routinely used in the medical field, their use being continuously enlarged through the development of contrast agents. Recently nanoparticles (NPs) proved efficient to improve imaging in vivo by increasing contrast and targeting capabilities. The current trend is now focused on the development of dual contrast agents combining two or more functionalities on the same NP. Motivated by this new challenge we developed FeBi NPs as new nanomaterials with potential application as a contrast agent for MRI and CT imaging. In addition to the well-known use of iron in the development MRI contrast agents, we chose Bi as a CT imaging agent rather than the more documented gold, because it possesses a larger X-ray attenuation coefficient and is much less expensive. Two sets of NPs, with sizes around 150 nm and 14 nm, were synthesized using organometallic approaches. In both cases, the NPs are spherical, and contain distinct domains of Fe and Bi, with the surface being enriched with Fe, and a hydrophobic coating. This coating differs from one sample to the other: the surfaces of the 150 nm large NPs are coated by amine ligands, while those of the 14 nm large NPs are coated by a mixture of an amine and its hydrochloride salt. Exchange of the surface ligands to afford water soluble NPs has been attempted. We show that only the larger NPs could be functionalized with water soluble ligands, which is in agreement with the lability of their initial surface coating. Colloidal aqueous solutions of FeBi NPs with glycoPEG ligands have been obtained.

Fe2O3@Au core@shell nanoparticle–graphene nanocomposites as theranostic agents for bioimaging and chemo-photothermal synergistic therapy

Graphene-based magnetic and plasmonic nanocomposites (DOX–rGO–Fe₂O₃@Au NPs) have been prepared for magnetic-field-assisted drug delivery and chemo-photothermal synergistic therapy.

Contrast agents for photoacoustic and thermoacoustic imaging: a review

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and thermoacoustic imaging (TAI) are two emerging biomedical imaging techniques that both utilize ultrasonic signals as an information carrier. Unique advantages of PAI and TAI are their abilities to provide high resolution functional information such as hemoglobin and blood oxygenation and tissue dielectric properties relevant to physiology and pathology. These two methods, however, may have a limited detection depth and lack of endogenous contrast. An exogenous contrast agent is often needed to effectively resolve these problems. Such agents are able to greatly enhance the imaging contrast and potentially break through the imaging depth limit. Furthermore, a receptor-targeted contrast agent could trace the molecular and cellular biological processes in tissues. Thus, photoacoustic and thermoacoustic molecular imaging can be outstanding tools for early diagnosis, precise lesion localization, and molecular typing of various diseases. The agents also could be used for therapy in conjugation with drugs or in photothermal therapy, where it functions as an enhancer for the integration of diagnosis and therapy. In this article, we present a detailed review about various exogenous contrast agents for photoacoustic and thermoacoustic molecular imaging. In addition, challenges and future directions of photoacoustic and thermoacoustic molecular imaging in the field of translational medicine are also discussed.

Gadolinium oxide nanoparticles and aptamer-functionalized silver nanoclusters-based multimodal molecular imaging nanoprobe for optical/magnetic resonance cancer cell imaging

Multimodal molecular imaging has attracted more and more interest from researchers due to its combination of the strengths of each imaging modality. The development of specific and multifunctional molecular imaging probes is the key for this method. In this study, we fabricated an optical/magnetic resonance (MR) dual-modality molecular imaging nanoprobe, polyethylene glycol-coated ultrasmall gadolinium oxide (PEG-Gd2O3)/aptamer-Ag nanoclusters (NCs), for tracking cancer cells. To achieve this aim, PEG-Gd2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent and aptamer functionalized silver nanoclusters (aptamer-Ag NCs) as fluorescence reporter were first synthesized by a one-pot approach, respectively. They were then conjugated by the covalent coupling reaction between the carboxyl group on the surface of PEG-Gd2O3 NPs and amino group modified on the 5'-end of AS1411 aptamer. With a suitable ratio, the fluorescence intensity of aptamer-Ag NCs and MR signal of PEG-Gd2O3 nanoparticles could both be enhanced after the formation of PEG-Gd2O3/aptamer-Ag NCs nanoprobe, which favored their application for multimodal molecular imaging. With this nanoprobe, MCF-7 tumor cells could be specifically tracked by both fluorescence imaging and magnetic resonance imaging in vitro.

Targeted multimodal imaging modalities

Molecular imaging non-invasively visualizes and characterizes the biologic functions and mechanisms in living organisms at a molecular level. In recent years, advances in imaging instruments, imaging probes, assay methods, and quantification techniques have enabled more refined and reliable images for more accurate diagnoses. Multimodal imaging combines two or more imaging modalities into one system to produce details in clinical diagnostic imaging that are more precise than conventional imaging. Multimodal imaging offers complementary advantages: high spatial resolution, soft tissue contrast, and biological information on the molecular level with high sensitivity. However, combining all modalities into a single imaging probe involves problems yet to be solved due to the requirement of high dose contrast agents for a component of imaging modality with low sensitivity. The introduction of targeting moieties into the probes enhances the specific binding of targeted multimodal imaging modalities and selective accumulation of the imaging agents at a disease site to provide more accurate diagnoses. An extensive list of prior reports on the targeted multimodal imaging probes categorized by each modality is presented and discussed. In addition to accurate diagnosis, targeted multimodal imaging agents carrying therapeutic medications make it possible to visualize the theranostic effect and the progress of disease. This will facilitate the development of an imaging-guided therapy, which will widen the application of the targeted multimodal imaging field to experiments in vivo.

Enantiomeric separation by microchip electrophoresis using bovine serum albumin conjugated magnetic core-shell Fe3 O4 @Au nanocomposites as stationary phase

In this work, a novel enantioselective MCE was developed employing BSA-conjugated Fe3 O4 @Au nanoparticles (Fe3 O4 @Au NPs) as stationary phase. Fe3 O4 @Au NPs with high magnetic responsively, excellent solubility, and high dispersibility in water were prepared through a sonochemical synthesis strategy. BSA was then immobilized onto the Fe3 O4 @Au NPs surfaces through the well-developed interaction between Au NPs and amine groups of BSA to form Fe3 O4 @Au NPs-BSA conjugates, which were then locally packed into PDMS microchannels with the help of magnets. The resultant Fe3 O4 @Au NPs-BSA conjugates not only have the magnetism of Fe3 O4 NPs that make them easily manipulated by an external magnetic field, but also have the larger surface and excellent biocompatibility of Au shell, which can incorporate much more biomolecules and well maintain their biological activity. In addition, the successful BSA decorations endowed Fe3 O4 @Au NPs-BSA conjugates with pH-tunable water solubility related to the pI of BSA (pI 4.7) and led to enhanced stability against high ionic strength. Compared with the native PDMS microchannel, the modified surfaces exhibited more stable and suppressed electroosmotic mobility, and less nonspecific adsorption toward analytes. Successful separation of chiral amino acids (tryptophan and threonine) and ofloxacin enantiomers demonstrate that the constructed MCE columns own ideal enantioselectivity. The results are expected to open up a new possibility for high-throughput screening of enantiomers with protein targets as well as a new application of magnetic NPs.

Metal/Semiconductor hybrid nanostructures for plasmon-enhanced applications

Hybrid nanostructures composed of semiconductor and plasmonic metal components are receiving extensive attention. They display extraordinary optical characteristics that are derived from the simultaneous existence and close conjunction of localized surface plasmon resonance and semiconduction, as well as the synergistic interactions between the two components. They have been widely studied for photocatalysis, plasmon-enhanced spectroscopy, biotechnology, and solar cells. In this review, the developments in the field of (plasmonic metal)/semiconductor hybrid nanostructures are comprehensively described. The preparation of the hybrid nanostructures is first presented according to the semiconductor type, as well as the nanostructure morphology. The plasmonic properties and the enabled applications of the hybrid nanostructures are then elucidated. Lastly, possible future research in this burgeoning field is discussed.

Core/shell nanoparticles in biomedical applications

Nanoparticles have several exciting applications in different areas and biomedial field is not an exception of that because of their exciting performance in bioimaging, targeted drug and gene delivery, sensors, and so on. It has been found that among several classes of nanoparticles core/shell is most promising for different biomedical applications because of several advantages over simple nanoparticles. This review highlights the development of core/shell nanoparticles-based biomedical research during approximately past two decades. Applications of different types of core/shell nanoparticles are classified in terms of five major aspects such as bioimaging, biosensor, targeted drug delivery, DNA/RNA interaction, and targeted gene delivery.

Thiol-PEG-carboxyl-stabilized Fe₂O ₃/Au nanoparticles targeted to CD105: synthesis, characterization and application in MR imaging of tumor angiogenesis

OBJECTIVE

To detect tumor angiogenesis in tumor-bearing mice using thiol-PEG-carboxyl-stabilized Fe2O3/Au nanoparticles targeted to CD105 on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

METHODS

Fe2O3/Au nanoparticles (hybrids) were prepared by reducing Au(3+) on the surface of Fe2O3 nanoparticles. Hybrids were stabilized with thiol-PEG-carboxyl via the Au-S covalent bond, and further conjugated with anti-CD105 antibodies through amide linkages. Characteristics of the hybrid-PEG-CD105 nanoparticles were evaluated. Using these nanoparticles, the labeling specificity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was evaluated in vitro. MRI T2-weighted images were obtained at different time points after intravenous administration of the hybrid-PEG-CD105 nanoparticles in the tumor-bearing mice. After MR imaging, the breast cancer xenografts were immediately resected for immunohistochemistry staining and Prussian blue staining to measure the tumor microvessel density (MVD) and evaluate the labeling of blood microvessels by the hybrid-PEG-CD105 nanoparticles in vivo.

RESULTS

The mean diameter of the hybrid-PEG-CD105 nanoparticles was 56.6 ± 8.0 nm, as measured by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Immune activity of the hybrid-PEG-CD105 nanoparticles was 53% of that of the anti-CD105 antibody, as detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The specific binding of HUVECs with the hybrid-PEG-CD105 nanoparticles was proved by immunostaining and Prussian blue staining in vitro. For breast cancer xenografts, the combination of the hybrid-PEG-CD105 nanoparticles with blood microvessels was detectable by MRI after 60 min administration of the contrast agent. The T2* relative signal intensity (SIR) was positively correlated with the tumor MVD (R(2)=0.8972).

CONCLUSION

Anti-CD105 antibody-coupled, thiol-PEG-carboxyl-stabilized core-shell Fe2O3/Au nanoparticles can efficiently target CD105 expressed by HUVECs. Furthermore, the hybrid-PEG-CD105 nanoparticles can be used to detect tumor angiogenesis in vivo.

Gold-Coated Fe3O4 Nanoroses with Five Unique Functions for Cancer Cell Targeting, Imaging and Therapy

The development of nanomaterials that combine diagnostic and therapeutic functions within a single nanoplatform is extremely important for molecular medicine. Molecular imaging with simultaneous diagnosis and therapy will provide the multimodality needed for accurate diagnosis and targeted therapy. Here, we demonstrate gold-coated iron oxide (Fe₃O₄@Au) nanoroses with five distinct functions, which integrate aptamer-based targeting, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), optical imaging, photothermal therapy and chemotherapy into one single probe. The inner Fe₃O₄ core functions as an MRI agent, while the photothermal effect is achieved through near-infrared absorption by the gold shell, causing a rapid rise in temperature and also resulting in a facilitated release of the anticancer drug doxorubicin carried by the nanoroses. Where the doxorubicin is released is monitored by its fluorescent. Aptamers immobilized on the surfaces of the nanoroses enable efficient and selective drug delivery, imaging and photothermal effect with high specificity. The five-function-embedded nanoroses show great advantages in multimodality.

Synthetic antiferromagnetic nanoparticles as potential contrast agents in MRI

We present the top-down synthesis of a novel type of MRI T2 contrast agent with great control over size and shape using a colloidal lithography technique. The resulting synthetic antiferromagnetic nanoparticles (SAF-NPs) yield improved relaxivities compared to superparamagnetic iron oxide alternatives (SPIONs). For T2 weighted imaging, the outer sphere relaxation theory has shown that the sensitivity of a T2 contrast agent is dependent on the particle size with an optimal size that exceeds the superparamagnetic limit of SPIONs. With the use of the interlayer exchange coupling effect, the SAF-NPs presented here do not suffer from this limit. Adjusting the outer sphere relaxation theory for spherical particles to SAF-NPs, we show both theoretically and experimentally that the SAF-NP size can be optimized to reach the r2 maximum. With measured r2 values up to 355 s(-1) mM(-1), our SAF-NPs show better performance than commercial alternatives and are competitive with the state-of-the-art. This performance is confirmed in an in vitro MRI study on SKOV3 cells.

One-step hydrothermal synthesis of Fe3O4@C nanoparticles with great performance in biomedicine

Core@shell structured Fe₃O₄@C nanoparticles synthesized by one-pot hydrothermal method show good pH-response drug release property and magneto-thermal performance.

Facile one-pot synthesis of Fe3O4@Au composite nanoparticles for dual-mode MR/CT imaging applications

A facile one-pot hydrothermal approach to synthesizing Fe3O4@Au composite nanoparticles (CNPs) for dual-mode magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) imaging applications is reported. In this work, polyethyleneimine (PEI) partially modified with poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether (mPEG) was used as a stabilizer to form gold NPs (mPEG-PEI.NH2-Au NPs) with the assistance of sodium borohydride reduction. The mPEG-PEI.NH2-Au NPs were then mixed with iron(II) salt in a basic aqueous solution followed by treatment under an elevated temperature and pressure. This hydrothermal process led to the formation of Fe3O4@Au-mPEG-PEI.NH2 CNPs. The remaining PEI amine groups were finally acetylated to reduce the surface positive charge of the CNPs. The formed Fe3O4@Au-mPEG-PEI.NHAc (Fe3O4@Au) CNPs were characterized via different techniques. The combined in vitro cell viability assay, cell morphology observation, flow cytometry, and hemolysis assay data show that the formed Fe3O4@Au CNPs are noncytotoxic and hemocompatible in the given concentration range. MR and CT imaging data reveal that the formed Fe3O4@Au CNPs have a relatively high r2 relaxivity (146.07 mM(-1) s(-1)) and good X-ray attenuation property, which enables their uses as contrast agents for MR imaging of mouse liver and CT imaging of rat liver and aorta. The Fe3O4@Au CNPs developed via the facile one-pot approach may have promising potential for the dual-mode MR/CT imaging of different biological systems.

In situ doxorubicin-CaP shell formation on amphiphilic gelatin-iron oxide core as a multifunctional drug delivery system with improved cytocompatibility, pH-responsive drug release and MR imaging

An amphiphilic gelatin-iron oxide core/calcium phosphate shell (AGIO@CaP-DOX) nanoparticle was successfully synthesized as an efficient anti-cancer drug delivery system, where doxorubicin (DOX) as a model molecule was encapsulated by electrolytic co-deposition during CaP shell formation. The shell of CaP precipitate played a pivotal role, not only in acting as a drug depot, but also in rendering the drug release rate in a highly pH-dependent controlled manner. Together with MR imaging, highly biocompatible drug-carrying CaP shell and efficient cellular internalization, the AGIO@CaP-DOX nanoparticles developed in this study area promising multifunctional nanodevice for nanotherapeutic approaches.

Photothermal microscopy of the core of dextran-coated iron oxide nanoparticles during cell uptake

A detailed understanding of cellular interactions with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) is critical when their biomedical applications are considered. We demonstrate how photothermal microscopy can be used to follow the cellular uptake of SPIONs by direct imaging of the iron oxide core. This offers two important advantages when compared with current strategies employed to image magnetic cores: first, it is nondestructive and is therefore suitable for studies of live cells and, second, it offers a higher sensitivity and resolution, thus allowing for the identification of low levels of SPIONs within a precise subcellular location. We have shown that this technique may be applied to the imaging of both cell monolayers and cryosections. In the former we have demonstrated the role of temperature on the rate of endocytosis, while in the latter we have been able to identify cells labeled with SPIONs from a mixed population containing predominantly unlabeled cells. Direct imaging of the SPION core is of particular relevance for research involving clinically approved SPIONs, which do not contain fluorescent tags and therefore cannot be detected via fluorescence microscopy.

Lanthanide ion-doped GdPO4 nanorods with dual-modal bio-optical and magnetic resonance imaging properties

Here, dual-modal bioprobes for combined optical and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are reported. Gadolinium orthophosphate (GdPO(4)) nanorods co-doped with light-emitting lanthanide ions have been successfully prepared through a hydrothermal method. An efficient downconversion luminescence from Ce/Tb or Eu doped GdPO(4) nanorods and upconversion luminescence from Yb/Er co-doped GdPO(4) nanorods are observed, respectively, which offers the optical modality for the nanoprobes. Notably, we first report the upconversion phenomenon based on the GdPO(4) matrix under 980 nm near infrared irradiation. The possibility of using these nanoprobes with downconversion and upconversion luminescent emissions for optical cell imaging is also demonstrated. Furthermore, these Gd(3+)-containing nanophosphors show good positive signal-enhancement ability when performed under a 4.7 T MR imaging scanner, indicating they have potential as T(1) MR imaging contrast agents. Thus, nanoprobes based on GdPO(4) nanophosphors are shown to provide the dual modality of optical and MR imaging.

Necrosis of Staphylococcus aureus by the Electrospun Fe- and Ag-Doped TiO2 Nanofibers

Postsurgery infections cause prolonged hospitalization, incurring increased patient and hospital costs, making it increasingly vital to develop an effective solution for the mitigation and elimination of infection buildup at these sites. Incorporation of a bactericidal device at the infection-prone sites provides the capability of attacking bacterial growth even after the patient has left the hospital. Polycrystalline titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is photoactive and possesses antibacterial properties that can mitigate the onset of these infections and aid in wound healing. In this work, TiO₂ nanofibers were synthesized by electrospinning. Doping with iron as well as with silver (5 wt% and 1 wt%, resp.) was also carried out to increase their effectiveness towards bactericidal properties. The electrospun fibers were processed and tested in the presence of light in the suspensions of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bacteria, which are the leading infection-inducing bacteria among hospital patients. It was found that upon brief activation (cf. 30 s) by an infrared laser source, greater than 90% of the S. aureus was rendered inactive within cf. 10 min. of exposure, thereby showing the potential of titania nanofibers for effective mitigation of infection.