Uptake and biocompatibility of functionalized poly(vinylalcohol) coated superparamagnetic maghemite nanoparticles by synoviocytes in vitro

Dynamic magnetic fields remote-control apoptosis via nanoparticle rotation

The ability to control the movement of nanoparticles remotely and with high precision would have far-reaching implications in many areas of nanotechnology. We have designed a unique dynamic magnetic field (DMF) generator that can induce rotational movements of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). We examined whether the rotational nanoparticle movement could be used for remote induction of cell death by injuring lysosomal membrane structures. We further hypothesized that the shear forces created by the generation of oscillatory torques (incomplete rotation) of SPIONs bound to lysosomal membranes would cause membrane permeabilization, lead to extravasation of lysosomal contents into the cytoplasm, and induce apoptosis. To this end, we covalently conjugated SPIONs with antibodies targeting the lysosomal protein marker LAMP1 (LAMP1-SPION). Remote activation of slow rotation of LAMP1-SPIONs significantly improved the efficacy of cellular internalization of the nanoparticles. LAMP1-SPIONs then preferentially accumulated along the membrane in lysosomes in both rat insulinoma tumor cells and human pancreatic beta cells due to binding of LAMP1-SPIONs to endogenous LAMP1. Further activation of torques by the LAMP1-SPIONs bound to lysosomes resulted in rapid decrease in size and number of lysosomes, attributable to tearing of the lysosomal membrane by the shear force of the rotationally activated LAMP1-SPIONs. This remote activation resulted in an increased expression of early and late apoptotic markers and impaired cell growth. Our findings suggest that DMF treatment of lysosome-targeted nanoparticles offers a noninvasive tool to induce apoptosis remotely and could serve as an important platform technology for a wide range of biomedical applications.

Syntheses of cross-linked polymeric superparamagnetic beads with tunable properties

Novel, fast and reproducible way to obtain magnetic silica beads by PVA, silica and iron oxide nanoparticles cross-linking process.

The role of cobalt ferrite magnetic nanoparticles in medical science

The nanotechnology industry is rapidly growing and promises that the substantial changes that will have significant economic and scientific impacts be applicable to a wide range of areas, such as aerospace engineering, nano-electronics, environmental remediation and medical healthcare. In this area, cobalt ferrite nanoparticles have been regarded as one of the competitive candidates because of their suitable physical, chemical and magnetic properties like the high anisotropy constant, high coercivity and high Curie temperature, moderate saturation magnetization and ease of synthesis. This paper introduces the magnetic properties, synthesis methods and some medical applications, including the hyperthermia, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic separation and drug delivery of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles.

Engineering the multifunctional surface on magnetic nanoparticles for targeted biomedical applications: a chemical approach

Research on multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles for biomedicines has experienced rapid growth because of the progressive advancements in nanotechnology and in modern biotechnology. However, the design of multifunctional surfaces on magnetic nanoparticles generally lacks a systematic approach. This article will try to unfold the complex chemistry in constructing a multifunctional surface, and layout a simplified guide for researchers to follow, particularly those from nonchemistry backgrounds. A number of design principles with critical rationales are to be introduced and followed by four main strategies: multifunctionality on a polymer chain, use of block copolymers, cocondensation of alkoxysilanes and of the secondary reaction on groups, with a particular reference to the use of alkoxysilanes. Nanoparticles of higher complexity are expected to be reported in the near future. These advanced systems are likely to be designed from some more logical, strategic mechanisms rather than the 'pick-and-mix' approaches we have seen in the last decade.

Interaction of cationic ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with human melanoma cells

Ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIONs) are currently under development for the intracellular delivery of therapeutics. However, the mechanisms of cellular uptake and the cellular reaction to this uptake, independent of therapeutics, are not well defined. The interactions of biocompatible cationic aminoUSPIONs with human cells was studied in 2D and 3D cultures using biochemical and electron microscopy techniques. AminoUSPIONs were internalized by human melanoma cells in 2D and 3D cultures. Uptake was clathrin mediated and the particles localized in lysosomes, inducing activation of the lysosomal cathepsin D and decreasing the expression of the transferrin receptor in human melanoma cells and/or skin fibroblasts. AminoUSPIONs deeply invaded 3D spheroids of human melanoma cells. Thus, aminoUSPIONs can invade tumors and their uptake by human cells induces cell reaction.

Easy route to functionalize iron oxide nanoparticles via long-term stable thiol groups

The functionalization of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIOs) by meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) was investigated. Under ambient conditions, the thiol groups from DMSA are not stable and do not allow a direct functionalization without storage in stringent conditions or a chemical regeneration of free thiols. In this study, we have developed a protocol based on poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) grafting of SPIO prior to DMSA anchoring. We have observed that PEG helps to increase the stability of thiol groups under ambient conditions. The thiol functionalized SPIOs were stable under physiological pH and ionic strength as determined by Ellman's essay and allowed us to graft a thiol reactive fluorescent dye: tetramethylrhodamine-5-maleimide (TMRM).

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs): from synthesis to in vivo studies--a summary of the synthesis, characterization, in vitro, and in vivo investigations of SPIONs with particular focus on surface and colloidal properties

In this work, we present a short summary of the synthesis and characterization of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and their behavior in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, we have used various characterization techniques to deduce the physical particle size as well as magnetic properties. It is shown that the particle properties were significantly improved by a thermochemical treatment and dialysis, obtaining weakly interacting particles with a clear blocking temperature. We also present the interaction of polyvinyl alcohol and vinyl alcohol/vinyl amine copolymer-coated SPIONs with HELA cells. It is shown that the uptake increased significantly in the presence of a magnetic field and that surface functional groups had an impact on particle uptake and metabolic activity. Furthermore, the influences of the varied parameters (polymer type and therefore surface charge, cell medium, and serum) on the agglomeration rate and the cell uptake are presented and discussed. Finally, we briefly describe the intraarticular application of SPIONs in sheep, their uptake by synovial membrane, and their systemic distribution and elimination.

Magnetic nanoparticles for gene and drug delivery

Investigations of magnetic micro- and nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery began over 30 years ago. Since that time, major progress has been made in particle design and synthesis techniques, however, very few clinical trials have taken place. Here we review advances in magnetic nanoparticle design, in vitro and animal experiments with magnetic nanoparticle-based drug and gene delivery, and clinical trials of drug targeting.