Synthesis and Surface Modification of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Student: Roshanee Bindra
Department: Biology
Advisor: Sri Sridhar

Abstract

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles in the form of iron oxide have been used in a large variety of biomedical applications such as, in drug delivery, separation of proteins and cells, in hyperthermia therapies and as contrast enhancement agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The utilizing of magnetic nanoparticles has recently drawn considerable interest towards the field of nanomedicine and its applications. Important factors for use in these applications are the synthesis of these nanoparticles in aqueous medium and their ability to modify their surface to conjugate various biomolecules. Silanization method was used in this work to introduce free –NH2 and –SH groups on the prepared iron oxide nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for their size, SQUID for magnetic properties and zeta potential for surface charges. These surface modified nanoparticles will be used for magnetic separation of bacteria and other cells and in magnetic hyperthermia therapy.