Hybrid magnetic core-shell TiO2@CoFe3O4 composite towards visible light-driven photodegradation of Methylene blue dye and the heavy metal adsorption: isotherm and kinetic study

Magnetic core-shell TiO₂@CoFe₃O₄ (TCM) composite photocatalytic particles with a core-shell structure were synthesized by the co-precipitation method as a novel catalyst for methylene blue (MB) dye degradation and adsorption efficiency of heavy-metal ion Pb(II) from aqueous solution. Various analytical techniques have verified the formation of the TCM core-shell through TEM, XRD, FT-IR, Raman, PL, and UV analysis. The presence of TiO₂ and cobalt magnetite in the TCM core shell is confirmed by XRD analysis. The formation of a homogenous CoFe₃O₄shell on TiO₂ spheres is confirmed by HR-TEM investigation. TiO₂ nanoparticle has a rutile structure with an average crystallite size of about 57.44 and a TCM core-shell of about 64.62 nm. From UV and PL studies, it was found that the core shell absorbs the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum, which improves the effective separation between photo carriers. This study focused on several factors that influence metal ion adsorption, including initial concentrations, adsorbent dose, pH, and contact time. The TCM nanocomposite successfully separated the heavy metal ion Pb(II) from aqueous solutions, and the model predictions exactly matched the experimental results. For TCM material, the maximum adsorption efficiency for Pb(II) was 33.09 mg/g. The photocatalytic performance of TiO₂ and TCM is about 12% and 91% after 60 min for MB dye degradation. It was found that TiO₂@CoFe₃O₄ core-shell nanoparticles perform better as photo catalysts than pure TiO₂ and CoFe₃O₄due to their high efficiency and reusability. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that heavy metal adsorption from aqueous solutions could be reused over seven cycles with no adsorption capacity modification.

Magnetic Hybrid Wax Nanocomposites as Externally Controlled Theranostic Vehicles: High MRI Enhancement and Synergistic Magnetically Assisted Thermo/Chemo Therapy

To fight against cancer, smarter drugs and drug delivery systems are required both to boost the efficiency of current treatments while reducing deleterious side effects, and combine diagnosis/monitoring with therapy (theranosis) in the search for the final goal of personalized medicine. This work presents the design, preparation, and proof-of-principle validation of a novel hybrid organic-inorganic nanocomposite joining together non-invasive imaging capabilities through magnetic resonance imaging and externally actuated therapeutic properties through a combination of chemo- and thermotherapy. The lipidic matrix of the nanocomposite was composed of carnauba wax, which was simultaneously dual loaded with magnetite nanoparticles and the anticancer drug Oncocalyxone A. Obtained formulations were fully characterized and showed outstanding performances as T₂ -contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (r₂ >800 mm^-1  s^-1 ), heat generating sources in magnetic hyperthermia (specific absorption rate, SAR>200 W g^-1 _Fe ), and magnetically responsive drug delivery vehicles. The potential of the designed formulations as theranostic agents was validated in vitro and results indicated a synergistic thermo/chemotherapeutic effect derived from heat generation and controlled drug delivery to cancer growth. Thereby, this external control over the drug delivery profile and the integrated imaging capability open the door to personalized cancer medicine and real-time monitoring of tumor progression.

Synthesis, Principles, and Properties of Magnetite Nanoparticles for In Vivo Imaging Applications-A Review

The current nanotechnology era is marked by the emergence of various magnetic inorganic nanometer-sized colloidal particles. These have been extensively applied and hold an immense potential in biomedical applications including, for example, cancer therapy, drug nanocarriers (NCs), or in targeted delivery systems and diagnosis involving two guided-nanoparticles (NPs) as nanoprobes and contrast agents. Considerable efforts have been devoted to designing iron oxide NPs (IONPs) due to their superparamagnetic (SPM) behavior (SPM IONPs or SPIONs) and their large surface-to-volume area allowing more biocompatibility, stealth, and easy bonding to natural biomolecules thanks to grafted ligands, selective-site moieties, and/or organic and inorganic corona shells. Such nanomagnets with adjustable architecture have been the topic of significant progresses since modular designs enable SPIONs to carry out several functions simultaneously such as local drug delivery with real-time monitoring and imaging of the targeted area. Syntheses of SPIONs and adjustments of their physical and chemical properties have been achieved and paved novel routes for a safe use of those tailored magnetic ferrous nanomaterials. Herein we will emphasis a basic notion about NPs magnetism in order to have a better understanding of SPION assets for biomedical applications, then we mainly focus on magnetite iron oxide owing to its outstanding magnetic properties. The general methods of preparation and typical characteristics of magnetite are reviewed, as well as the major biomedical applications of magnetite.

Biomedical Imaging: Principles, Technologies, Clinical Aspects, Contrast Agents, Limitations and Future Trends in Nanomedicines

This review article presents the state-of-the-art in the major imaging modalities supplying relevant information on patient health by real-time monitoring to establish an accurate diagnosis and potential treatment plan. We draw a comprehensive comparison between all imagers and ultimately end with our focus on two main types of scanners: X-ray CT and MRI scanners. Numerous types of imaging probes for both imaging techniques are described, as well as reviewing their strengths and limitations, thereby showing the current need for the development of new diagnostic contrast agents (CAs). The role of nanoparticles in the design of CAs is then extensively detailed, reviewed and discussed. We show how nanoparticulate agents should be promising alternatives to molecular ones and how they are already paving new routes in the field of nanomedicine.

Biofunctionalized MnFe2O4@Au core-shell nanoparticles for pH-responsive drug delivery and hyperthermal agent for cancer therapy

Novel materials are explored very often by material scientists to design an efficient drug delivery system to target carcinoma cells. Among various nanosystem, functionalized Iron oxide Nanoparticles (IoNP) were definitely studied especially to target, endocyte and release drug moieties inside the cells. This IoNP platform is usually composed of an inorganic core and a highly biocompatible shell layer in order to perform numerous tasks at the same time, such as drug delivery, multimodal imaging, and instantaneous monitoring, along with collective therapeutic approaches. Hence, in this work, MnFe₂O₄@Au nanoparticles (Mf@A) are used as a structure for docking anti-cancer drug using a coupling molecule for the precise targeting. The formation of the core-shell structure was corroborated by high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and line mapping techniques. Superconducting quantum interference device confirms the fabricated nanostructure is favorably superparamagnetic. The stability of nanoparticles was examined by measuring the zeta-potential measurements. The binding efficiency of the drug onto the Mf@A was found to be >90%. Drug-release was carried out at different pH and found that the release is maximum at lower pH. Finally, at 2.45 GHz we employed as a magneto-hyperthermal agent which produced heat to kill the cancerous cell.

A co-operative effect of visible light photo-catalysis and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles for green synthesis of furans in water

A novel approach to poly-functionalized furan synthesis is disclosed via oxidative decarboxylative [3+2] cycloaddition using co-operative catalysis by visible light and CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles.

Plasmonic/Magnetic Multifunctional nanoplatform for Cancer Theranostics

A multifunctional magneto-plasmonic CoFe2O4@Au core-shell nanoparticle was developed by iterative-seeding based method. This nanocargo consists of a cobalt ferrite kernel as a core (Nk) and multiple layers of gold as a functionalizable active stratum, (named as Nk@A after fifth iteration). Nk@A helps in augmenting the physiological stability and enhancing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) property. The targeted delivery of Doxorubicin using Nk@A as a nanopayload is demonstrated in this report. The drug release profile followed first order rate kinetics optimally at pH 5.4, which is considered as an endosomal pH of cells. The cellular MR imaging showed that Nk@A is an efficient T2 contrast agent for both L6 (r2-118.08 mM-1s-1) and Hep2 (r2-217.24 mM-1s-1) cells. Microwave based magnetic hyperthermia studies exhibited an augmentation in the temperature due to the transformation of radiation energy into heat at 2.45 GHz. There was an enhancement in cancer cell cytotoxicity when hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy. Hence, this single nanoplatform can deliver 3-pronged theranostic applications viz., targeted drug-delivery, T2 MR imaging and hyperthermia.

Synthesis of Water Dispersible and Catalytically Active Gold-Decorated Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles

Hetero-nanoparticles represent an important family of composite nanomaterials that in the past years are attracting ever-growing interest. Here, we report a new strategy for the synthesis of water dispersible cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoxFe3-xO4 NPs) decorated with ultrasmall (2-3 nm) gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). The synthetic procedure is based on the use of 2,3-meso-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), which plays a double role. First, it transfers cobalt ferrite NPs from the organic phase to aqueous media. Second, the DMSA reductive power promotes the in situ nucleation of gold NPs in proximity of the magnetic NP surface. Following this procedure, we achieved a water dispersible nanosystem (CoxFe3-xO4-DMSA-Au NPs) which combines the cobalt ferrite magnetic properties with the catalytic features of ultrasmall Au NPs. We showed that CoxFe3-xO4-DMSA-Au NPs act as an efficient nanocatalyst to reduce 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol and that they can be magnetically recovered and recycled. It is noteworthy that such nanosystem is more catalytically active than Au NPs with equal size. Finally, a complete structural and chemical characterization of the hetero-NPs is provided.

Targeted gold-coated iron oxide nanoparticles for CD163 detection in atherosclerosis by MRI

CD163 is a membrane receptor expressed by macrophage lineage. Studies performed in atherosclerosis have shown that CD163 expression is increased at inflammatory sites, pointing at the presence of intraplaque hemorrhagic sites or asymptomatic plaques. Hence, imaging of CD163 expressing macrophages is an interesting strategy in order to detect atherosclerotic plaques. We have prepared a targeted probe based on gold-coated iron oxide nanoparticles vectorized with an anti-CD163 antibody for the specific detection of CD163 by MRI. Firstly, the specificity of the targeted probe was validated in vitro by incubation of the probe with CD163(+) or (-) macrophages. The probe was able to selectively detect CD163(+) macrophages both in human and murine cells. Subsequently, the targeted probe was injected in 16 weeks old apoE deficient mice developing atherosclerotic lesions and the pararenal abdominal aorta was imaged by MRI. The accumulation of probe in the site of interest increased over time and the signal intensity decreased significantly 48 hours after the injection. Hence, we have developed a highly sensitive targeted probe capable of detecting CD163-expressing macrophages that could provide useful information about the state of the atheromatous lesions.

Glyconanoparticles for colorimetric bioassays

Carbohydrate molecules are involved in many of the cellular processes that are important for life. By combining the specific analyte targeting of carbohydrates with the multivalent structure and change of solution colour as a consequence of plasmonic interactions with the aggregation of metal nanoparticles, glyconanoparticles have been used extensively for the development of bioanalytical assays. The noble metals used to create the nanocore, the methodologies used to assemble the carbohydrates on the nanoparticle surface, the carbohydrate chosen for each specific target, the length of the tether that separates the carbohydrate from the nanocore and the density of carbohydrates on the surface all impact on the structural formation of metal based glyconanoparticles. This tutorial review highlights these key components, which directly impact on the selectivity and sensitivity of the developed bioassay, for the colorimetric detection of lectins, toxins and viruses.

Recent advances in biosensing using magnetic glyconanoparticles

In this critical review we discuss the most recent advances in the field of biosensing applications of magnetic glyconanoparticles. We first give an overview of the main synthetic routes to obtain magnetic-nanoparticle-carbohydrate conjugates and then we highlight their most promising applications for magnetic relaxation switching sensing, cell and pathogen detection, cell targeting and magnetic resonance imaging. We end with a critical perspective of the field, identifying the main challenges to be overcome, but also the areas where the most promising developments are likely to happen in the coming decades.

Detection of mouse endogenous type B astrocytes migrating towards brain lesions

Neuroblasts represent the predominant migrating cell type in the adult mouse brain. There are, however, increasing evidences of migration of other neural precursors. This work aims at identifying in vivo endogenous early neural precursors, different from neuroblasts, able to migrate in response to brain injuries. The monoclonal antibody Nilo1, which unequivocally identifies type B astrocytes and embryonic radial glia, was coupled to magnetic glyconanoparticles (mGNPs). Here we show that Nilo1-mGNPs in combination with magnetic resonance imaging in living mice allowed the in vivo identification of endogenous type B astrocytes at their niche, as well as their migration to the lesion site in response to glioblastoma, demyelination, cryolesion or mechanical injuries. In addition, Nilo1(+) adult radial glia-like structures were identified at the lesion site a few hours after damage. For all damage models used, type B astrocyte migration was fast and orderly. Identification of Nilo1(+) cells surrounding an induced glioblastoma was also possible after intraperitoneal injection of the antibody. This opens up the possibility of an early identification of the initial damage site(s) after brain insults, by the migration of type B astrocytes.

Multivalent glycosylated nanoparticles for studying carbohydrate–protein interactions

Glyconanoparticles decorated with multiple copies of various biologically relevant carbohydrates serve as scaffolds for protein binding assay, molecular imaging, targeted therapy, and bacterium detection.

Characterisation of Co@Fe3O4 core@shell nanoparticles using advanced electron microscopy

Cobalt nanoparticles were synthesised via the thermal decomposition of Co2(CO)8 and were coated in iron oxide using Fe(CO)5. While previous work focused on the subsequent thermal alloying of these nanoparticles, this study fully elucidates their composition and core@shell structure. State-of-the-art electron microscopy and statistical data processing enabled chemical mapping of individual particles through the acquisition of energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) images and detailed electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) analysis. Multivariate statistical analysis (MSA) has been used to greatly improve the quality of elemental mapping data from core@shell nanoparticles. Results from a combination of spatially resolved microanalysis reveal the shell as Fe3O4 and show that the core is composed of oxidatively stable metallic Co. For the first time, a region of lower atom density between the particle core and shell has been observed and identified as a trapped carbon residue attributable to the organic capping agents present in the initial Co nanoparticle synthesis.

Glyconanoparticles as multifunctional and multimodal carbohydrate systems

The quest for the construction of multivalent carbohydrate systems, with precise geometries that are highly efficient in interacting with carbohydrate binding proteins, has been a goal of synthetic chemists since the discovery of the multivalent nature of carbohydrate-mediated interactions. However, the control of the spatial and topological requirements for these systems is still a challenge. Glyconanoparticles (GNPs) are sugar-coated gold, iron oxide or semiconductor nanoparticles with defined thiol-ending glycosides that combine the multivalent presentation of carbohydrates (glycoclusters) with the special chemico-physical properties of the nano-sized metallic core. The possibility of attaching different types of carbohydrates and other molecules (such as luminescent probes, peptides, and magnetic chelates) onto the same gold nanoparticle in a controlled way (multifunctional GNPs), as well as modifying the core in order to obtain glyconanoparticles with magnetic or fluorescence properties (multimodal GNPs) makes this multivalent glyco-scaffold suitable for carrying out studies on carbohydrate-mediated interactions and applications in molecular imaging. In this review, we focus mainly on the rational design of glyconanoparticles as scaffolds for combining different ligands and survey the most recent examples of glyconanoparticles as both multivalent carbohydrate systems and probes for molecular imaging.

Gold and iron oxide hybrid nanocomposite materials

This critical review provides an overview of current research activities that focused on the synthesis and application of multi-functional gold and iron oxide (Au-Fe(x)O(y)) hybrid nanoparticles and nanocomposites. An introduction of synthetic strategies that have been developed for generating Au-Fe(x)O(y) nanocomposites with different nanostructures is presented. Surface functionalisation and bioconjugation of these hybrid nanoparticles and nanocomposites are also reviewed. A variety of applications such as theranostics, gene delivery, biosensing, cell sorting, bio-separation, and catalysis is discussed and highlighted. Finally, future trends and perspectives of these sophisticated nanocomposites are outlined. Underpinning the fundamental requirements for effectively forming Au-Fe(x)O(y) hybrid nanocomposite materials would shed light on future development of nanotheranostics, nanomedicines, and chemical technologies. It would be interesting to investigate such multi-component composite nanomaterials with different novel morphologies in the near future to advance chemistry, biology, medicine, and engineering multi-disciplinary research (120 references).

Specific labelling of cell populations in blood with targeted immuno-fluorescent/magnetic glyconanoparticles

Current performance of iron oxide nanoparticle-based contrast agents in clinical use is based on the unspecific accumulation of the probes in certain organs or tissues. Specific targeted biofunctional nanoparticles would significantly increase their potential as diagnostic and therapeutic tools in vivo. In this study, multimodal fluorescent/magnetic glyco-nanoparticles were synthesized from gold-coated magnetite (glyco-ferrites) and converted into specific probes by the covalent coupling of protein G and subsequent incubation with an IgG antibody. The immuno-magnetic-fluorescent nanoparticles were applied to the specific labelling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in a complex biological medium, as human blood. We have been able to label specifically PBMCs present in blood in a percentage as low as 0.10-0.17%. Red blood cells (RBCs) were also clearly labelled, even though the inherent T(2) contrast arising from the high iron content of these cells (coming mainly from haemoglobin). The labelling was further assessed at cellular level by fluorescence microscopy. In conclusion, we have developed new contrast agents able to label specifically a cell population under adverse biological conditions (low abundance, low intrinsic T(2), high protein content). These findings open the door to the application of these probes for the labelling and tracking of endogenous cell populations like metastatic cancer cells, or progenitor stem cells that exist in very low amount in vivo.

Magnetic glyconanoparticles as a versatile platform for selective immunolabeling and imaging of cells

A versatile nanoplatform based on magnetic glyconanoparticles (glyco-ferrites) to attach well-oriented antibodies is described. An efficient ligand exchange process has been used to prepare water-soluble 6-nm-sized core-shell Fe(3)O(4)@Au nanoparticles bearing amphiphilic carbohydrates and aliphatic ethylene glycol chains ended in a carboxyl group. The covalent immobilization through the carboxyl group of an Fc receptor (protein G) enables successful well-oriented capture of immunoglobulins G onto the magnetic glyconanoparticle. A thorough characterization of structure and biofunctionality of the constructs is carried out by different techniques. The selective immunolabeling of cells by the antibody-magnetic glyconanoparticle conjugates is demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as by fluorescence techniques.