Fabrication and functionalization of biocompatible Fe3O4@Graphene Oxide hybrid for biomedical applications

Functionalized nano platforms have enormous potential in targeted therapies and controlled delivery of drugs. Although different production techniques have been developed in recent years, methods used to generate uniform in... [ view full abstract ]

Functionalized nano platforms have enormous potential in targeted therapies and controlled delivery of drugs. Although different production techniques have been developed in recent years, methods used to generate uniform in size, stable in a solution and pure NPs are still waiting to be optimised. Functionalization of the NPs and further conjugation with different biomolecules remain a great challenge.

Using chemical and laser methods we have generated different biocompatible and biodegradable nanoparticles e.g. Chitosan NPs, Polylactic acid NPs, Iron Oxide NPs and NPs modified with Poly-L-lysine. Among these, Iron Oxide NPs with additional magnetic properties, were further functionalized by simultaneous in situ attachment to Graphene Oxide (GO) using one–step chemical method. Fe₃O₄@GO hybrid have uniform ~10nm magnetic NPs decorated on top of the GO nano/micro flakes and can be easily separated by magnetic field. Using carbodiimide crosslinker chemistry we have successfully conjugated IgG molecules as well as antimicrobial peptide on to the Fe₃O₄@GO nano hybrids, respectively.

Magnetic properties of functionalized Iron Oxide@GO hybrid could be very useful for different biosensors and directing the nano-hybrids to target tissues by external magnetic field. Future work will aim to link cell-type specific antibodies and nucleic acids such as siRNAs to achieve precisely targeted therapy.