Preparation of dendritic polymer-based magnetic carrier for application of bromelain separation and purification

A review on recent advances in the applications of composite Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles in the food industry

Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have attracted tremendous attention due to their superparamagnetic properties, large specific surface area, high biocompatibility, non-toxicity, large-scale production, and recyclability. More importantly, numerous hydroxyl groups (-OH) on the surface of Fe3O4 MNPs can provide coupling sites for various modifiers, forming versatile nanocomposites for applications in the energy, biomedicine, and environmental fields. With the development of science and technology, the potential of nanotechnology in the food industry has also gradually become prominent. However, the application of composite Fe3O4 MNPs in the food industry has not been systematically summarized. Herein, this article reviews composite Fe3O4 MNPs, including their properties, modifications, and physical functions, as well as their applications in the entire food industry from production to processing, storage, and detection. This review lays a solid foundation for promoting food innovation and improving food quality and safety.

Magnetic nanoparticles covalently immobilizing epidermal growth factor receptor by SNAP-Tag protein as a platform for drug discovery

Magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) cloaked with cell membranes expressing high levels of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have been used to screen for EGFR-targeting active compounds in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulations. However, previous strategies involved physical immobilization of the biomaterials on the surface of the nanocarrier, resulting in highly unstable platforms since the biological materials could dislodge easily. Chemical bonding of biomaterials to the nanoparticles surface can improve the stability of the biomimetic platforms. In this study, membrane fragments from cells expressing SNAP-Tag-EGFR (ST-EGFR) were immobilized on the surface of magnetic NPs. The ST-EGFR magnetic cell membrane nanoparticles (ST-EGFR/MCMNs) showed greater stability, and higher binding capacity, selectivity adsorption of gefitinib after 7 days compared to the un-immobilized magnetic cell membrane nanoparticles (EGFR/MCMNs). The ST-EGFR/MCMNs were used to screen for the EGFR-targeting active compounds of Zanthoxyli Radix (ZR), and identified toddalolactone and nitidine chloride. The latter significantly inhibited the proliferation of EGFR-overexpressing cancer cells, and was more effective compared to gefitinib. This innovative technology can be used to rapidly screen for active compounds from complex extracts, and aid in drug discovery.