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Biofunctionalization of Magnetic Nanomaterials
Published on: July 16, 2020
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Low toxic maghemite nanoparticles for theranostic applications
Elena A Kuchma1, Peter V Zolotukhin1, Anna A Belanova1
1The Smart Materials Research Center, Southern Federal University of Russia, Rostov-on-Don, Russia.
International Journal of Nanomedicine
|September 19, 2017
Summary
Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were synthesized using microwave technology. These low-toxicity SPIONs show promise for oncology theranostics and multimodal cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Materials Science
- Oncology
Background:
- Iron oxide nanoparticles possess diverse biological properties crucial for nanobiomedicine.
- Tailoring nanoparticle properties is essential for specific applications.
- Rational synthesis methods are vital for advancing iron oxide nanoparticle development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize low-toxicity superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with specific structural and morphological characteristics.
- To evaluate the potential of these SPIONs for theranostic applications in oncology.
Main Methods:
- Fast microwave synthesis technique employed for SPION production.
- Comprehensive characterization using TEM, XRD, DLS, XPS, XANES, and Mossbauer spectroscopy.
- In vitro toxicity testing in HeLa cells.
Main Results:
- Spherical SPIONs with an average diameter of ~16 nm and maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) structure were successfully synthesized.
- Characterization confirmed the maghemite phase and electronic structure.
- Reactive oxygen species generation observed in both cytoplasm and nucleus of HeLa cells.
Conclusions:
- Quasispherical Fe3+ SPIONs with maghemite structure are valuable for oncology theranostics.
- The synthesized SPIONs are suitable for multimodal anticancer therapy.
- Fast microwave synthesis offers an efficient route to produce tailored SPIONs.

