Controlling transport and chemical functionality of magnetic nanoparticles

Recent progress on metal core@semiconductor shell nanocomposites as a promising type of photocatalyst

The creation of core-shell nanocomposites (CSNs) has attracted considerable attention and developed into an increasingly important research area at the frontier of advanced materials chemistry. CSNs, which are nanoscaled assemblies with a chemical composition that is different on the surface compared to the core region, have found versatile applications in many fields, such as electrooptics, quantum dots, microscopy labels, drug delivery, chemical sensors, nanoreactors and catalysis. This review is primarily focused on the applications of metal core@semiconductor shell nanocomposites in heterogeneous photocatalysis, including photocatalytic nonselective processes for environmental remediation, selective organic transformations to fine chemicals and water splitting to clean hydrogen energy. It is hoped that this minireview can inspire multidisciplinary research interest in the precisely morphology-controlled synthesis of a variety of metal core@semiconductor shell nanoassemblies and their wide applications in the realm of heterogeneous photocatalysis.

Protein-based nanotubes for biomedical applications

This review presents highlights of our latest results of studies directed at developing protein-based smart nanotubes for biomedical applications. These practical biocylinders were prepared using an alternate layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of protein and oppositely charged poly(amino acid) into a nanoporous polycarbonate (PC) membrane (pore diameter, 400 nm), with subsequent dissolution of the template. The tube wall typically comprises six layers of poly-L-arginine (PLA) and human serum albumin (HSA) [(PLA/HSA)(3)]. The obtained (PLA/HSA)(3) nanotubes (NTs) can be dispersed in aqueous medium and are hydrated significantly. Several ligands for HSA, such as zinc(II) protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP), were bound to the HSA component in the cylindrical wall. Similar NTs comprising recombinant HSA mutant, which has a strong binding affinity for ZnPP, captured the ligand more tightly. The Fe(3)O(4)-coated NTs can be collected easily by exposure to a magnetic field. The hybrid NTs bearing a single avidin layer as an internal wall captured biotin-labeled nanoparticles into the central channel when their particle size is sufficiently small to enter the pores. The NTs with an antibody surface interior entrapped human hepatitis B virus with size selectivity. It is noteworthy that the infectious Dane particles were encapsulated completely into the hollows. Other HSA-based NTs having an α-glucosidase inner wall hydrolysed a glucopyranoside to yield α-D-glucose. A perspective of the practical use of the protein-based NTs is also described.

Compact zwitterion-coated iron oxide nanoparticles for biological applications

The potential of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) in various biomedical applications, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), sensing, and drug delivery, requires that their surface be derivatized to be hydrophilic and biocompatible. We report here the design and synthesis of a compact and water-soluble zwitterionic dopamine sulfonate (ZDS) ligand with strong binding affinity to SPIONs. After ligand exchange, the ZDS-coated SPIONs exhibit small hydrodynamic diameters, and stability with respect to time, pH, and salinity. Furthermore, small ZDS coated SPIONs were found to have a reduced nonspecific affinity (compared to negatively charged SPIONs) toward serum proteins; streptavidin/dye functionalized SPIONs were bioactive and thus specifically targeted biotin receptors.

Specific peptides as alternative to antibody ligands for biomagnetic separation of Clostridium tyrobutyricum spores

Nowadays, the reference method for the detection of Clostridium tyrobutyricum in milk is the most-probable-number method, a very time-consuming and non-specific method. In this work, the suitability of the use of superparamagnetic beads coated with specific antibodies and peptides for bioseparation and concentration of spores of C. tyrobutyricum has been assessed. Peptide or antibody functionalized nanoparticles were able to specifically bind C. tyrobutyricum spores and concentrate them up to detectable levels. Moreover, several factors, such as particle size (200 nm and 1 μm), particle derivatization (aminated and carboxylated beads), coating method, and type of ligand have been studied in order to establish the most appropriate conditions for spore separation. Results show that concentration of spore is favored by a smaller bead size due to the wider surface of interaction in relation to particle volume. Antibody orientation, related to the binding method, is also critical in spore recovery. However, specific peptides seem to be a better ligand than antibodies, not only due to the higher recovery ratio of spores obtained but also due to the prolonged stability over time, allowing an optimal recovery of spores up to 3 weeks after bead coating. These results demonstrate that specific peptides bound to magnetic nanoparticles can be used instead of traditional antibodies to specifically bind C. tyrobutyricum spores being a potential basis for a rapid method to detect this bacterial target.

Impact of dilution on the transport of poly(acrylic acid) supported magnetite nanoparticles in porous media

This paper investigates the impact of dilution on the mobility of magnetite nanoparticles surface coated with poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). Transport experiments were conducted in a water-saturated sand-packed column for input nanoparticle solutions with total Fe concentrations ranging from 100 to 600mg/L. Particle size analysis of the synthesized nanoparticle solutions showed that PAA provides good size stability for Fe concentrations as low as about 1mg/L. Time-moment analysis of the nanoparticle breakthrough curves, on the other hand, revealed that nanoparticle mass recovery from the column decreased consistently with dilution, with greater attenuation, sharper fronts and longer tails compared to that of the tracer. Particle size analysis of the eluted solutions shows that the nanoparticle size is negatively correlated with nanoparticle concentration. Modeling results suggest that the decrease in nanoparticle mobility with input concentration can be represented using a kinetic time-dependent deposition term with finite deposition capacity and a kinetic detachment term. For field applications, the increase in particle size and detachment resulting from dilution means reduced transport efficiency of nanoparticles and reaction potential with travel distance.

Natural organic matter removal by adsorption onto magnetic permanently confined micelle arrays

To remove natural organic matter (NOM) from water, magnetic permanently confined micelle arrays (Mag-PCMAs) were synthesized by coating the surface of Fe(3)O(4) particles with a silica/surfactant mesostructured hybrid layer. An environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) was used to characterize the particle size and surface morphology of the Mag-PCMAs. The zeta potential was used to assess the surface charge. Batch experiments were performed to investigate the adsorption of NOM by Mag-PCMAs. It was determined that NOM removal efficiency by Mag-PCMAs could be as high as 80% at a wide range of initial pH values (∼ 6.0-10.0). The adsorption isotherm was fitted well by a Langmuir model. Although Fe(3)O(4) had a high positive charge and Mag-PCMAs a small negative charge, Mag-PCMAs had a higher removal efficiency of NOM than uncoated Fe(3)O(4) particles (which are also magnetic), which indicated that the adsorption of NOM onto Mag-PCMAs was not dominated by electrostatic interactions. Possible mechanisms of the adsorption of NOM onto Mag-PCMAs were hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding. It was feasible to reuse Mag-PCMAs after regeneration. These results indicate that Mag-PCMAs can be very attractive for the removal of NOM from aqueous matrices.

Layered-metal-hydroxide nanosheet arrays with controlled nanostructures to assist direct electronic communication at biointerfaces

In this work, ordered vertical arrays of layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets have been developed to achieve electron transfer (eT) at biointerfaces in electrochemical devices. It is found that tailoring the gap size of LDH nanosheet arrays could significantly promote the eT rate. This research has successfully extended nanomaterials for efficient modifications of electrode surfaces from nanoparticles, nanowires, nanorods, and nanotubes to nanosheets.

Magnetic nanomaterials for hyperthermia-based therapy and controlled drug delivery

Previous attempts to review the literature on magnetic nanomaterials for hyperthermia-based therapy focused primarily on magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) using mono metallic/metal oxide nanoparticles. The term "hyperthermia" in the literature was also confined only to include use of heat for therapeutic applications. Recently, there have been a number of publications demonstrating magnetic nanoparticle-based hyperthermia to generate local heat resulting in the release of drugs either bound to the magnetic nanoparticle or encapsulated within polymeric matrices. In this review article, we present a case for broadening the meaning of the term "hyperthermia" by including thermotherapy as well as magnetically modulated controlled drug delivery. We provide a classification for controlled drug delivery using hyperthermia: Hyperthermia-based controlled drug delivery through bond breaking (DBB) and hyperthermia-based controlled drug delivery through enhanced permeability (DEP). The review also covers, for the first time, core-shell type magnetic nanomaterials, especially nanoshells prepared using layer-by-layer self-assembly, for the application of hyperthermia-based therapy and controlled drug delivery. The highlight of the review article is to portray potential opportunities for the combination of hyperthermia-based therapy and controlled drug release paradigms--towards successful application in personalized medicine.

Stabilization and functionalization of iron oxide nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are used in a rapidly expanding number of research and practical applications in the biomedical field, including magnetic cell labeling separation and tracking, for therapeutic purposes in hyperthermia and drug delivery, and for diagnostic purposes, e.g., as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging. These applications require good NP stability at physiological conditions, close control over NP size and controlled surface presentation of functionalities. This review is focused on different aspects of the stability of superparamagnetic iron oxide NPs, from its practical definition to its implementation by molecular design of the dispersant shell around the iron oxide core and further on to its influence on the magnetic properties of the superparamagnetic iron oxide NPs. Special attention is given to the selection of molecular anchors for the dispersant shell, because of their importance to ensure colloidal and functional stability of sterically stabilized superparamagnetic iron oxide NPs. We further detail how dispersants have been optimized to gain close control over iron oxide NP stability, size and functionalities by independently considering the influences of anchors and the attached sterically repulsive polymer brushes. A critical evaluation of different strategies to stabilize and functionalize core-shell superparamagnetic iron oxide NPs as well as a brief introduction to characterization methods to compare those strategies is given.

Review on the progress in synthesis and application of magnetic carbon nanocomposites

This review focuses on the synthesis and application of nanostructured composites containing magnetic nanostructures and carbon-based materials. Great progress in fabrication of magnetic carbon nanocomposites has been made by developing methods including filling process, template-based synthesis, chemical vapor deposition, hydrothermal/solvothermal method, pyrolysis procedure, sol-gel process, detonation induced reaction, self-assembly method, etc. The applications of magnetic carbon nanocomposites expanded to a wide range of fields such as environmental treatment, microwave absorption, magnetic recording media, electrochemical sensor, catalysis, separation/recognization of biomolecules and drug delivery are discussed. Finally, some future trends and perspectives in this research area are outlined.

Chemical grafting of a DNA intercalator probe onto functional iron oxide nanoparticles: a physicochemical study

Spherical magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs, ∼ 24 nm in diameter) were sequentially functionalized with trimethoxysilylpropyldiethylenetriamine (TMSPDT) and a synthetic DNA intercalator, namely, 9-chloro-4H-pyrido[4,3,2-kl]acridin-4-one (PyAcr), in order to promote DNA interaction. The designed synthetic pathway allowed control of the chemical grafting efficiency to access MNPs either partially or fully functionalized with the intercalator moiety. The newly prepared nanomaterials were characterized by a range of physicochemical techniques: FTIR, TEM, PXRD, and TGA. The data were consistent with a full surface coverage by immobilized silylpropyldiethylenetriamine (SPDT) molecules, which corresponds to ∼22,300 SPDT molecules per MNP and a subsequent (4740-2940) PyAcr after the chemical grafting step (i.e., ∼ 2.4 PyAcr/nm(2)). A greater amount of PyAcr (30,600) was immobilized by the alternative strategy of binding a fully prefunctionalized shell to the MNPs with up to 16.1 PyAcr/nm(2). We found that the extent of PyAcr functionalization strongly affects the resulting properties and, particularly, the colloidal stability as well as the surface charge estimated by ζ-potential measurement. The intercalator grafting generates a negative charge contribution which counterbalances the positive charge of the single SPDT shell. The DNA binding capability was measured by titration assay and increases from 15 to 21.5 μg of DNA per mg of MNPs after PyAcr grafting (14-20% yield) but then drops to only ∼2 μg for the fully functionalized MNPs. This highlights that even if the size of the MNPs is obviously a determining factor to promote surface DNA interaction, it is not the only limiting parameter, as the mode of binding and the interfacial charge density are essential to improve loading capability.

Cancer theranostics: the rise of targeted magnetic nanoparticles

Interest in utilizing magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) for biomedical applications has increased considerably over the past two decades. This excitement has been driven in large part by the success of MNPs as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging. The recent investigative trend with respect to cancer has continued down a diagnostic path, but has also turned toward concurrent therapy, giving rise to the distinction of MNPs as potential "theranostics". Here we review both the key technical principles of MNPs and ongoing advancement toward a cancer theranostic MNP. Recent progress in diagnostics, hyperthermia treatments, and drug delivery are all considered. We conclude by identifying current barriers to clinical translation of MNPs and offer considerations for their future development.

Efficacy and Durability in Direct Labeling of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Using Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles with Organosilica, Dextran, and PEG Coatings

We herein report a comparative study of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) labeling using spherical superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles containing different coatings, namely, organosilica, dextran, and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). These nanomaterials possess a similar SPIO core size of 6–7 nm. Together with their coatings, the overall sizes are 10–15 nm for all SPIO@SiO₂, SPIO@dextran, and SPIO@PEG nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were investigated for their efficacies to be uptaken by rabbit bone marrow-derived MSCs without any transfecting agent. Experimentally, both SPIO@SiO₂ and SPIO@PEG nanoparticles could be successfully uptaken by MSCs while the SPIO@dextran nanoparticles demonstrated limited labeling efficiency. The labeling durability of SPIO@SiO₂ and SPIO@PEG nanoparticles in MSCs after three weeks of culture were compared by Prussian blue staining tests. SPIO@SiO₂ nanoparticles demonstrated more blue staining than SPIO@PEG nanoparticles, rendering them better materials for MSCs labeling by direct uptake when durable intracellullar retention of SPIO is desired.

Water-dispersible iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles with versatile surface functionalities

We report a simple one-pot strategy to prepare surface-function-alized, water-dispersible iron oxide nanoparticles. Small organic molecules that have desired functional groups such as amines, carboxylics, and thiols are chosen as capping agents and are injected into the reaction medium at the end of the synthesis. A diversity of functionalities are effectively introduced onto the surface of the nanoparticles with a minimal consumption of solvents and chemical resources by simply switching the capping ligand to form the ligand shell. The resulting nanocrystals are quasi-spherical and narrowly size-distributed. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies suggest a successful surface modification of iron oxide nanoparticles with selected functionalities. The colloidal stabilities are characterized by dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements. The results imply that functionalized nanoparticles are very stable and mostly present as individual units in buffer solutions. The pedant functional groups of the capping ligand molecules are very reactive, and their availabilities are investigated by covalently linking fluorescent dyes to the nanoparticles through the cross-linking of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride. The quenched quantum yield and shortened lifetime of the dyes strongly indicate a direct bonding between the functional group of the nanoparticles and the fluorescent molecules.

Effects of nanoparticle size on cellular uptake and liver MRI with polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated iron oxide nanoparticles

The effect of nanoparticle size (30-120 nm) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of hepatic lesions in vivo has been systematically examined using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (PVP-IOs). Such biocompatible PVP-IOs with different sizes were synthesized by a simple one-pot pyrolysis method. These PVP-IOs exhibited good crystallinity and high T(2) relaxivities, and the relaxivity increased with the size of the magnetic nanoparticles. It was found that cellular uptake changed with both size and surface physiochemical properties, and that PVP-IO-37 with a core size of 37 nm and hydrodynamic particle size of 100 nm exhibited higher cellular uptake rate and greater distribution than other PVP-IOs and Feridex. We systematically investigated the effect of nanoparticle size on MRI of normal liver and hepatic lesions in vivo. The physical and chemical properties of the nanoparticles influenced their pharmacokinetic behavior, which ultimately determined their ability to accumulate in the liver. The contrast enhancement of PVP-IOs within the liver was highly dependent on the overall size of the nanoparticles, and the 100 nm PVP-IO-37 nanoparticles exhibited the greatest enhancement. These results will have implications in designing engineered nanoparticles that are optimized as MR contrast agents or for use in therapeutics.

Multi-functional magnetic nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging and cancer therapy

We have developed a multi-layer approach for the synthesis of water-dispersible superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for hyperthermia, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and drug delivery applications. In this approach, iron oxide core nanoparticles were obtained by precipitation of iron salts in the presence of ammonia and provided β-cyclodextrin and pluronic polymer (F127) coatings. This formulation (F127250) was highly water dispersible which allowed encapsulation of the anti-cancer drug(s) in β-cyclodextrin and pluronic polymer for sustained drug release. The F127250 formulation has exhibited superior hyperthermia effects over time under alternating magnetic field compared to pure magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) and β-cyclodextrin coated nanoparticles (CD200). Additionally, the improved MRI characteristics were also observed for the F127250 formulation in agar gel and in cisplatin resistant ovarian cancer cells (A12780CP) compared to MNP and CD200 formulations. Furthermore, the drug-loaded formulation of F127250 exhibited many folds of imaging contrast properties. Due to the internalization capacity of the F127250 formulation, its curcumin-loaded formulation (F127250-CUR) exhibited almost equivalent inhibition effects on A2780CP (ovarian), MDA-MB-231 (breast), and PC-3 (prostate) cancer cells even though curcumin release was only 40%. The improved therapeutic effects were verified by examining molecular effects using Western blotting and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) studies. F127250-CUR also exhibited haemocompatibility, suggesting a nanochemo-therapeutic agent for cancer therapy.

Creation of highly stable selenium nanoparticles capped with hyperbranched polysaccharide in water

Water-dispersible selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were created by using natural hyperbranched polysaccharide (HBP) as the stabilizer and capping agent under extremely safe conditions. The structure, morphology, size, and stability of the nanocomposites were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and static and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. The results revealed that the spherical selenium nanoparticles (mean particle size of about 24 nm) were ligated with HBP to form nanocomposites (Se-HBP) in aqueous solution and were stable for over one month. In our findings, supported by the results of FTIR, TEM, AFM, and DLS, SeNPs were capped with the HBP macromolecules, as a result of strong physical adsorption of OH groups on Se surfaces, leading to a highly stable structure of Se nanoparticles in water. This work provided reaction sites for the complexation between HBP and Se to fabricate well-dispersed Se nanoparticles in aqueous system with potential bioapplications.

High-frequency, magnetic-field-responsive drug release from magnetic nanoparticle/organic hybrid based on hyperthermic effect

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) generate heat when a high-frequency magnetic field (HFMF) is applied to them. Induction heat is useful not only for hyperthermia treatment but also as a driving force for drug-release. beta-Cyclodextrin (CD) can act as drug container because of its inclusion properties. Drugs incorporated in the CD can thus be released through the use of induction heating, or hyperthermic effects, by applying a HFMF. In this study, we have synthesized folic acid (FA) and CD-functionalized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, FA-CD-SPIONs, by chemically modifying SPIONs derived from iron(III) allylacetylacetonate. FA is well-known as a targeting ligand for breast cancer tumor and endows the SPIONs with cancer-targeting capability. Immobilization of FA and CD on spinel iron oxide nanoparticles was confirmed by Fourier transform IR (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The FA-CD-SPIONs have a hydrodynamic diameter of 12.4 nm and prolonged stability in water. They are superparamagnetic with a magnetization of 51 emu g(-1) at 16 kOe. They generate heat when an alternating current (AC) magnetic field is applied to them and have a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 132 W g(-1) at 230 kHz and 100 Oe. Induction heating triggers drug release from the CD cavity on the particle - a behavior that is controlled by switching the HFMF on and off. The FA-CD-SPIONs are noncytotoxic for cells. Thus, FA-CD-SPIONs can serve as a novel device for performing drug delivery and hyperthermia simultaneously.

Diffusive flux and magnetic manipulation of nanoparticles through porous membranes

Measurement of transport of nanometer scale particles through porous media is important to begin to understand the potential environmental impacts of nanomaterials. Using a diffusion cell with two compartments separated by either a porous alumina or polycarbonate membrane as a model system, diffusive flux through mesoporous materials is examined. Experiments are performed as a function of particle size, pore diameter, and solvent, and the particle fluxes are monitored by the change in absorbance of the solution in the receiving cell. Using the measured extinction coefficient and change in absorbance of the solution as a function of time, the fluxes of 3, 8, and 14 nm diameter CoFe(2)O(4) particles are determined as they are translocated across pores with diameters 30, 50, 100, and 200 nm in hexane and aqueous solutions. In general, flux decreases with increasing particle size and increases with pore diameter. We find that fluxes are faster in aqueous solutions than in hexane, which is attributed to the hydrophilic nature of the porous membranes and differences in wettability. The impact of an applied magnetic flux gradient, which induces magnetization and motion, on permeation is also examined. For larger membrane pore diameters, applied magnetic fluxes increase the rate of transport of 14 nm CoFe(2)O(4) particles more than that of 3 or 8 nm diameter particles, reflecting their differences in susceptibility. However, larger particles are excluded from membranes with small diameter pores, consistent with magnetic interparticle attractions that reversibly induce magnetic aggregation.

Ligand exchange approach in deriving magnetic-fluorescent and magnetic-plasmonic hybrid nanoparticle

We report here ligand-exchange-based synthesis of magnetic-plasmonic and magnetic-fluorescent hybrid nanoparticles such as gamma-Fe(2)O(3)-QD, gamma-Fe(2)O(3)-Au, and gamma-Fe(2)O(3)-Ag. In this approach the surface ligands of hydrophobic gamma-Fe(2)O(3) nanoparticles are replaced by terminal amine/carboxylate functional groups of core-shell type hydrophilic QD/Au/Ag nanoparticle, with a resultant water-soluble hybrid nanoparticle. These water-soluble hybrid materials exhibit good colloidal stability, retain the property of each component nanoparticle, and are approximately 20-35 nm in diameter. Various functional nanoparticles can be derived from these hybrid nanoparticles for simultaneous optical sensing, imaging, and magnetic separation applications. Glucose, oleylamine, and TAT peptide-functionalized nanoprobes are prepared from these hybrid nanoparticles. Glucose-functionalized gamma-Fe(2)O(3)-Au and gamma-Fe(2)O(3)-Ag are used for plasmon-based optical detection of protein as well as magnetic separation applications. TAT peptide- and oleylamine-functionalized gamma-Fe(2)O(3)-QD are used for fluorescence-based cell imaging and magnetic cell separation.

Colloidosome-based synthesis of a multifunctional nanostructure of silver and hollow iron oxide nanoparticles

Nanoparticles that self-assemble on a liquid-liquid interface serve as the building block for making heterodimeric nanostructures. Specifically, hollow iron oxide nanoparticles within hexane form colloidosomes in the aqueous solution of silver nitrate, and iron oxide exposed to the aqueous phase catalyzes the reduction of silver ions to afford a heterodimer of silver and hollow iron oxide nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, UV-vis spectroscopy, and SQUID were used to characterize the heterodimers. Interestingly, the formation of silver nanoparticles helps the removal of spinglass layer on the hollow iron oxide nanoparticles. This work demonstrates a powerful yet convenient strategy for producing sophisticated, multifunctional nanostructures.