DESCRIPTION:
Thermal processing method and resulting magnetic core-shell gold-coated iron oxide nanoparticle construct which is stable and tunable. The nanoparticles can be made to controllable diameters ranging from 5 to 100 nm and exhibit high monodispersity. The iron oxide core (Fe2O3 or Fe3O4) is magnetically active while the ligand-capped gold shell is bio-active. The cores can be single or multiple (“pomegranate”), depending on preparation conditions. The construct can thus be used to identify, purify, quantify and/or separate biological or synthetic target molecules from the nanoparticles using a magnetic field.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:
- Bio-separation of proteins and DNA and pollutants taking advantage of magnetic core
- target drug-carrying magnetic particles to a desired body site, for example in chemotherapy
- Bio-assay exploiting the ability to bind proteins using the surface chemistry of the shell
- Contrast agent in medical imaging tests such as MRI, X-Ray, or micro CT
ADVANTAGES:
- Surface tunability for biocompatible applications using well-known gold surface chemistry and biological reactivity of gold allows use of particles of sufficient size (>15 nm) to exploit magnetic properties.
- Replace toxic heavy metals such as Gadolinium or Iodine as a contrast agent.
- Deliver concentrated chemotherapeutic drugs to specific tissue instead of throughout body, reducing side effects.
PATENT STATUS:
Patent pending. US Patent Application #12/034,155, filed 2/20/08.
ADDITIONAL REFERENCE INFORMATION
Park, H.Y.; Schadt, M.; Wang, L.; Lim, I.S.; Njoki, P.; Kim, S.H.; Jang, M.Y.; Luo, J.; Zhong, C.J., "Fabrication of Magnetic Core-Shell Fe Oxide – Gold Nanoparticles for Interfacial Bioactivity and Bio-Separation," Langmuir, 2007, 23, 9050-9056 August 14, 2007.
See also RB-216, A New Synthesis Method Towards Core/Shell Fe3O4 – Au Nanoparticles and Thin Film Asssembly.
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