Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications: Particle Synthesis, Surface Functionalization and Tissue Uptake

PIs: Steven L. Girshick, John C. Bischof

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are currently the subject of intense study for medical applications. Magnetic nanoparticles show promise as contrast-enhancing agents for cancer detection using magnetic resonance imaging, as miniaturized heaters capable of killing malignant cells by application of an external field, and as targeted drug delivery vehicles. Girshick proposes a novel thermal plasma process to synthesize size-controlled magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, passivated with an SiO₂ layer produced by photoinduced chemical vapor deposition [ref]. As these magnetic particles are aimed at imaging and therapeutic applications, Bischof will attach polyethylene glycol (PEG) and targeting ligands to the particles, as illustrated in Fig. X, and will study their in vivo uptake within tissue by MRI. Key issues include control of particle size and coating thickness, and understanding the mechanisms of both tissue uptake and the resulting spatial distribution.

Reference: B. Zhang, Y.-C. Liao, J. Roberts and S. Girshick, "Growth of Coatings on Nanoparticles by Photoinduced Chemical Vapor Deposition,"J. Nanopart. Res. 10, 173-178 (2008).