DNA binding and cytotoxicity studies of magnetic nanofluid containing antiviral drug oseltamivir

In this work, the possibility of preparing a nanoparticle with improved treatment properties was investigated. In this regard, synthesis, characterization, in vitro cytotoxicity and DNA binding of Fe₃O₄@oleate/oseltamivir magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were investigated. Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were synthesized via chemical co-precipitation and coated by oleate bilayers. Then, Fe₃O₄@OA MNPs were functionalized with an antiviral drug (oseltamivir), for better biological applications. The MNPs were subsequently characterized by zeta sizer and Zeta potential measurements, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. The TEM image demonstrated that average sizes of Fe₃O₄@OA/oseltamivir MNPs were about 8?nm. The in vitro cytotoxicity of Fe₃O₄@OA/oseltamivir MNPs was studied against cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and compared with oseltamivir drug. The results illustrated that Fe₃O₄@OA/oseltamivir magnetic nanoparticles have better antiproliferative effects on the mentioned cell lines as compared with oseltamivir. Also, in vitro DNA binding studies were done by UV–Vis, circular dichroism, and Fluorescence spectroscopy. The results indicated that Fe₃O₄@OA/oseltamivir MNPs bound to DNA via groove binding. Moreover, this magnetic nanofluid has potential for magnetic hyperthermia therapy due to magnetic core of its nanoparticles.

Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma     

巨噬细胞膜仿生纳米铁颗粒制备及多形性胶质母细胞瘤MRI成像的初步实验研究

摘要 目的：探讨巨噬细胞膜仿生的纳米铁颗粒（Fe3O4 NCs@MM）对多形性胶质母细胞瘤MRI成像的研究。方法：制备巨噬细胞膜仿生的纳米铁颗粒Fe₃O₄ NCs@MM,利用动态光散射（Dynamic Light Scattering,DLS）和透射电子显微镜（Transmission Electron Microscope,TEM）对其水合动力学粒径、表面电势和形态进行表征。采用SDS-聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳（sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis,SDS-PAGE）评价巨噬细胞膜的完整包覆;紫外可见光谱测定巨噬细胞膜仿生的纳米铁颗粒抗蛋白吸附能力。通过MRI成像系统,分析了含不同浓度的Fe元素（0.1-1.6 mM）的Fe₃O₄ NCs@MM在GSH存在或不存在时的T₁弛豫效应。采用细胞增殖-毒性实验（Cell Counting Kit-8,CCK-8）,测定巨噬细胞膜仿生纳米铁颗粒处理肿瘤细胞24 h后的细胞活性。尾静脉注射巨噬细胞膜仿生纳米铁颗粒至原位胶质母细胞瘤模型中,观察成像效果。结果：巨噬细胞膜仿生的纳米铁颗粒Fe₃O₄ NCs@MM的水合动力学粒径和表面电势分别为 286.5±7.6 nm和-20.7±3.5 mV,且在水溶液中分布均匀,具有较好的单分散性。包覆巨噬细胞膜的纳米铁颗粒具备抗蛋白吸附的能力。MRI成像显示,制备的巨噬细胞膜仿生的纳米铁颗粒Fe₃O₄ NCs@MM为GSH响应型MRI对比剂,具有较好的T₁-加权磁共振成像效果,在尾静脉注射巨噬细胞膜的纳米铁颗粒0.5 h后,肿瘤部位的信号可见增强。结论：巨噬细胞膜仿生的纳米铁颗粒Fe₃O₄ NCs@MM可实现多形性胶质母细胞瘤的MRI成像。     

Preparation and characterization of magnetic gold nanoparticles to be used as doxorubicin nanocarriers

Magnetic targeted drug delivery (MTD), using magnetic gold nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@Au NPs) conjugated with an anti-cancer drug is a promise modality for cancer treatment. In this study, Fe₃O₄@Au NPs were prepared and functionalized with thiol-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG), then loaded with anti-cancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). The physical properties of the prepared NPs were characterized using different techniques. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the mono dispersed nature of Fe₃O₄@Au NPs with an average size of 20 nm which was confirmed using Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. Zeta potential measurements along with UV–VIS spectroscopy demonstrated surface DOX loading on Fe₃O₄@Au NPs. Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) assured the existence of both iron and gold elements in the prepared NPs. The paramagnetic properties of the prepared NPs were assessed by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The maximum DOX-loading capacity was 100 μg DOX/mg of Fe₃O₄@Au NPs. It was found that DOX released more readily at acidic pH. In vitro studies on MCF-7 cell line elucidated that DOX loaded Fe₃O₄@Au NPs (Fe₃O₄@Au-PEG-DOX) have more potent therapeutic effect than free DOX. Knowledge gained in this study may open the door to pursue Fe₃O₄@Au NPs as a viable nanocarriers for different molecules delivery in many diagnostic and therapeutic applications.     

Novel and efficient method for immobilization and stabilization of β-d-galactosidase by covalent attachment onto magnetic Fe3O4–chitosan nanoparticles

A novel and efficient immobilization of β-d-galactosidase from Aspergillus oryzae has been developed by using magnetic Fe₃O₄–chitosan (Fe₃O₄–CS) nanoparticles as support. The magnetic Fe₃O₄–CS nanoparticles were prepared by electrostatic adsorption of chitosan onto the surface of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles made through co-precipitation of Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺. The resultant material was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry and thermogravimetric analysis. β-d-Galactosidase was covalently immobilized onto the nanocomposites using glutaraldehyde as activating agent. The immobilization process was optimized by examining immobilized time, cross-linking time, enzyme concentration, glutaraldehyde concentration, the initial pH values of glutaraldehyde and the enzyme solution. As a result, the immobilized enzyme presented a higher storage, pH and thermal stability than the soluble enzyme. Galactooligosaccharide was formed with lactose as substrate by using the immobilized enzyme as biocatalyst, and a maximum yield of 15.5% (w/v) was achieved when about 50% lactose was hydrolyzed. Hence, the magnetic Fe₃O₄–chitosan nanoparticles are proved to be an effective support for the immobilization of β-d-galactosidase.     

Facile and greener hydrothermal honey-based synthesis of Fe3O 4/Au core/shell nanoparticles for drug delivery applications

In the present research, we report a greener, faster, and low-cost synthesis of gold-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄/Au-NPs) by different ratios (1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 molar ratio) of iron oxide and gold with natural honey (0.5% w/v) under hydrothermal conditions for 20 minutes. Honey was used as the reducing and stabilizing agent, respectively. The nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The XRD analysis indicated the presence of Fe₃O₄/Au-NPs, while the TEM images showed the formation of Fe₃O₄/Au-NPs with diameter range between 3.49 nm and 4.11 nm. The VSM study demonstrated that the magnetic properties were decreased in the Fe₃O₄/Au-NPs compared with the Fe₃O₄-NPs. The cytotoxicity threshold of Fe₃O₄/Au-NPs in the WEHI164 cells was determined by using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. It was demonstrated no significant toxicity in higher concentration up to 140.0 ppm which can become the main candidates for biological and biomedical applications, such as drug delivery.     

Improved degradation of lignocellulosic biomass pretreated by Fenton-like reaction using Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> magnetic nanoparticles

The ability of Fe₃O₄ Fenton-like reaction to produce glucose from lignocellulosic biomass was investigated. Fe₃O₄ magnetite nanoparticles were chemically synthesized from iron salts (a mixture of 1 M FeCl₂ and 2M FeCl₃) using an ammonia solution (30% NH₄OH). The synthesized Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were further characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Reed stems and rice straw biomasses pretreated with optimized Fenton-like reagents (Fe₃O₄ and H₂O₂) increased glucose production by 177 and 87%, respectively, compared to the control without the catalysts.     

Magnetic core/shell Fe3O4/Au nanoparticles for studies of quinolones binding to protein by fluorescence spectroscopy

Magnetic core/shell Fe₃O₄/Au nanoparticles were used in the determination of drug binding to bovine serum albumin (BSA) using a fluorescence spectroscopic method. The binding constants and number of binding sites for protein with drugs were calculated using the Scatchard equation. Because of their superparamagnetic and biocompatible characteristics, magnetic core/shell Fe₃O₄/Au nanoparticles served as carrier proteins for fixing proteins. After binding of the protein to a drug, the magnetic core/shell Fe₃O₄/Au nanoparticles–protein–drug complex was separated from the free drug using an applied magnetic field. The free drug concentration was obtained directly by fluorescence spectrometry and the proteins did not influence the drug determination. So, the achieved number of binding sites should be reliable. The binding constant and site number for ciprofloxacin (CPFX) binding to BSA were 2.055 × 10⁵ L/mol and 31.7, and the corresponding values for norfloxacin (NOR) binding to BSA were 1.383 × 10⁵ L/mol and 38.8. Based on the achieved results, a suitable method was proposed for the determination of binding constants and the site number for molecular interactions. The method was especially suitable for studies on the interactions of serum albumin with the active ingredients of Chinese medicine. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cobalt (II) complex with novel unsymmetrical tetradentate Schiff base (ON) ligand: in vitro cytotoxicity studies of complex,interaction with DNA/protein,molecular docking studies,and antibacterial activity

[C₂₀H₁₇N₃O₂] and cobalt (II) complex [Co(L²)(MeOH)₂].ClO₄, (L² = 4-((E)-1-((2-(((E)-pyridin-2-ylmethylene) amino) phenyl) imino) ethyl) benzene-1, 3-diol) novel Schiff base has been synthesiszed and chracterized by Fourier transform infrared, UV–vis, ¹H-NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis techniques. The interaction of Co(II) complex with DNA and BSA was investigated by electronic absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism, and thermal denaturation studies. Our experiments indicate that this complex could strongly bind to CT-DNA via minor groove mechanism. In addition, fluorescence spectrometry of BSA with the complex showed that the fluorescence quenching mechanism of BSA was of static type. The complex exhibited significant in vitro cytotoxicity against three human cancer cell lines (JURKAT, SKOV3, and U87). The molecular docking experiment effectively proved the binding of complex to DNA and BSA. Finally, antibacterial assay over gram-positive and gram-negative pathogenic bacterial strains was studied.     

Preparation and characterization of amino and carboxyl functionalized core-shell Fe3O4/SiO2 for L-asparaginase immobilization: A comparison study

Abstract

Magnetic nanoparticles are well known as facile and effective support for enzyme immobilization since they have a high surface area, large surface-to-volume ratio, easy separation, a fast and high enzyme loading. This study aims to provide insights on whether acidic or basic modified particles are more effective for L-asparaginase (ASNase) immobilization. Therefore, amino (Fe₃O₄/SiO₂/NH₂) and carboxyl-functionalized (Fe₃O₄/SiO₂/COOH) particles were prepared. The functional groups, crystalline structure, magnetic properties, morphology, chemical composition and thermal behaviour of the prepared modified nanoparticles were examined via Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX). Under the optimum conditions, the immobilized enzymes were more stable within a certain range of temperatures and pH values in comparison to free enzyme. On the other hand, the immobilized enzymes showed greater stability after incubation for 3?h at 50?°C. The free enzyme maintained only 30% of its initial activity for 4?weeks at 4?°C, while Fe₃O₄/SiO₂/NH₂/ASNase and Fe₃O₄/SiO₂/COOH/ASNase retained more than 78.9% and 56.5% of initial activities under the same conditions, respectively. Moreover, Fe₃O₄/SiO₂/NH₂/ASNase (77.2%) and Fe₃O₄/SiO₂/COOH/ASNase (57.4%) displayed excellent operational stability after 17 repeated cycles. These findings suggested that the Fe₃O₄/SiO₂/NH₂ and Fe₃O₄/SiO₂/COOH may be utilized as efficient and sustainable supports to developed immobilized ASNase in several biotechnological applications.     

Conjugation of nattokinase and lumbrukinase with magnetic nanoparticles for the assay of their thrombolytic activities

Two important thrombolytic enzymes, nattokinase (NK) and lumbrukinase (LK), were immobilized onto fine magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles using 1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-3-ethylcarbodiimide (EDC) as the coupling reagent, and their thrombolytic activities were studied. The Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and NK- and LK-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry, vibrating sample magnetometry, X-ray diffraction, and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. Dual kinetic absorbance measurements at 405 and 630 nm were employed to measure their thrombolytic activity. Analysis of protein amount showed that the optimum conditions for NK and LK binding to nanoparticles were respectively at a mass ratio of 2:1:1, 2:1:2 (magnetic nanoparticles:protein:EDC), and pH 6.00. Thrombolytic activity assay showed that the best thrombolytic activity could reach 91.89% for NK–nanoparticle conjugates and 207.74% for LK–nanoparticle conjugates, which are much higher than the pure enzymes (NK, 82.86%; LK, 106.57%).     

Optimization of the covalent coupling and ionic adsorption of magnetic nanoparticles on Flavobacterium ATCC 27551 using the Taguchi method

Abstract

Flavobacterium ATCC 27551 was used as a model system for the preparation of magnetic biocatalysts. The magnetic modification was carried out by covalently binding carboxylate- and amino-modified magnetic nanoparticles onto cells. Magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were also used for ionic adsorption on the cell surface. Magnetically modified cells were concentrated using a magnet and exhibited organophosphate hydrolyzing activity. The Taguchi method was used to optimize the binding of the magnetic nanoparticles on the cell surface. SEM image analyses demonstrated good linkage of the magnetic nanoparticles over the Flavobacterium ATCC 27551 cell surface. Under optimal conditions, the magnetic cells displayed specific activity ratios of 93%, 89% and 95%, compared with untreated cells, after the covalent coupling with carboxylate- and amino-modified magnetic nanoparticles and the ionic adsorption of magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles, respectively.     

An electrochemical immunosensor for digoxin using core–shell gold coated magnetic nanoparticles as labels

A simple, sensitive, and low-cost immunosensor was designed for the detection of digoxin through core–shell gold coated magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄-Au-NPs) as an electrochemical label. Having had such a large potential for a variety of applications, Fe₃O₄-Au-NPs have attracted a considerable attention and are actively investigated recently. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside which, at high level, can indicate an increased risk of toxicity. This new competitive electrochemical immunosensor was developed based on antigen–antibody reaction employing antigen (Ag) labeled Fe₃O₄-Au-NPs and PVA modified screen-printed carbon electrode surface in order to detect the serum digoxin. The structures of Fe₃O₄-Au-NPs were studied by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were employed to determine the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of immunosensor. DPV was employed for quantitative detection of digoxin in biological samples. The developed immunosensor was capable to detect digoxin in the range from 0.5 to 5 ng mL^?1, with a detection limit as low as 0.05 ng mL^?1. The proposed method represented acceptable reproducibility, stability, and reliability for the rapid detection of digoxin in serum samples.     

Electrospinning of Cross-Linked Magnetic Chitosan Nanofibers for Protein Release

A poly(vinylalcohol) (PVA) electrospun/magnetic/chitosan nanocomposite fibrous cross-linked network was fabricated using in situ cross-linking electrospinning technique and used for bovine serum albumin (BSA) loading and release applications. Sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) and glutaraldehyde (GA) were used as cross-linkers which modified magnetic-Fe₃O₄ chitosan as Fe₃O_4/CS/TPP and Fe₃O_4/CS/GA, respectively. BSA was used as a model protein drugs which was encapsulated to form Fe₃O₄/CS/TPP/BSA and Fe₃O₄/CS/GA/BSA nanoparticles. The composites were electrospun with PVA to form nanofibers. Nanofibers were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The characterization results suggest that Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles with average size of 45 nm were successfully bound on the surface of chitosan. The cross-linked nanofibers were found to contain uniformly dispersed Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. The size and morphology of the nanofibers network was controlled by varying the cross-linker type. FTIR data show that these two polymers have intermolecular interactions. The sample with TPP cross-linker showed an enhancement of the controlled release properties of BSA during 30-h experimental investigation.

Graphical Abstract

Open in a separate windowᅟKEY WORDS: cross-linker, electrospun, magnetite, mano-composite, protein loading     

Double-Layer Magnetic Nanoparticle-Embedded Silica Particles for Efficient Bio-Separation

Superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) based nanomaterials have been exploited in various biotechnology fields including biomolecule separation. However, slow accumulation of Fe₃O₄ NPs by magnets may limit broad applications of Fe₃O₄ NP-based nanomaterials. In this study, we report fabrication of Fe₃O₄ NPs double-layered silica nanoparticles (DL MNPs) with a silica core and highly packed Fe₃O₄ NPs layers. The DL MNPs had a superparamagnetic property and efficient accumulation kinetics under an external magnetic field. Moreover, the magnetic field-exposed DL MNPs show quantitative accumulation, whereas Fe₃O₄ NPs single-layered silica nanoparticles (SL MNPs) and silica-coated Fe₃O₄ NPs produced a saturated plateau under full recovery of the NPs. DL MNPs are promising nanomaterials with great potential to separate and analyze biomolecules.     

Biodesulfurization of Dibenzothiophene by Microbial Cells Coated with Magnetite Nanoparticles

Microbial cells of Pseudomonas delafieldii were coated with magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and then immobilized by external application of a magnetic field. Magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were synthesized by a coprecipitation method followed by modification with ammonium oleate. The surface-modified Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were monodispersed in an aqueous solution and did not precipitate in over 18 months. Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the average size of the magnetic particles was found to be in the range from 10 to 15 nm. TEM cross section analysis of the cells showed further that the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were for the most part strongly absorbed by the surfaces of the cells and coated the cells. The coated cells had distinct superparamagnetic properties. The magnetization (δ_s) was 8.39 emu · g⁻¹. The coated cells not only had the same desulfurizing activity as free cells but could also be reused more than five times. Compared to cells immobilized on Celite, the cells coated with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles had greater desulfurizing activity and operational stability.     

Enhancing purification of α-amylase by superparamagnetic complex with alginate/chitosan/β-cyclodextrin/TPP

The main aim of this study was to synthesize the superparamagnetic nanoparticles coated by alginate/chitosan/β-cyclodextrin to purify α-amylase. Isolated bacteria were identified by morphological, biochemical and taxonomic molecular studies. FTIR- spectrometer, VSM, X-ray instruments and Malvern Zetasizer were used to characterize nanoparticles characteristics. The morphological structures and the elemental composition of the nanoparticles were studied by using FESEM and EDS, respectively. The molecular weight of enzyme was determined using SDS-PAGE, and the enzyme activity detected by zymographic analysis. FTIR studies showed the presence of Fe–O–Fe in the Fe₃O₄ and verified the interaction between chitosan, β-cyclodextrin and alginate. The saturation magnetization for superparamagnetic and coated superparamagnetic nanoparticles was indicated 39 and 1.9?emu?g^?1, respectively. The maximum intensity of the XRD peak indicated the presence of the Fe₃O₄. FESEM and EDS analysis showed that the nanoparticles were regular and spherical in shape and corresponded to the Fe and O elements. Enzyme purification by synthesized nanoparticles was achieved 13.84?U?mg^?1; purification fold of 3.50. The molecular weight of α-amylase was about 22?kDa. The highest activity of α-amylase was observed at 70?°C, pH 9.3 and Ca²⁺-independent. As a conclusion, the coated superparamagnetic nanoparticles showed more applications in enzyme purification comparing to the conventional methods.     

The function of chitosan/agarose biopolymer on Fe2O3 nanoparticles and evaluation of their effects on MCF-7 breast cancer cell line and expression of BCL2 and BAX genes

In recent decades, magnetic nanoparticles modified with biocompatible polymers have been recognized as a suitable tool for treating breast cancer. The aim of this research was to evaluate the function of chitosan/agarose-functionalized Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line and the expression of BCL2 and BAX genes. Free Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles were prepared by hydrothermal method. FTIR, XRD, SEM, DLS, VSM, and zeta potential analyses determined the size and morphological characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles. The effect of Fe₂O₃ free nanoparticles and formulated Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles on induction of apoptosis was studied by double-dye Annexin V-FITC and PI. Also, the gene expression results using the PCR method displayed that Fe₂O₃ formulated nanoparticles induced BAX apoptosis by increasing the anti-apoptotic gene expression and decreasing the expression of pro-apoptotic gene BCL2, so the cell progresses to planned cell death. In addition, the results showed that the BAX/BCL2 ratio decreased significantly after treatment of MCF-7 cells with free Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles, and the BAX/BCL2 ratio for Fe₂O₃ formulated nanoparticles increased significantly. Also, to evaluate cell migration, the scratch test was performed, which showed a decrease in motility of MCF-7 cancer cells treated with Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles formulated with chitosan/agarose at concentrations of 10, 50, 100, and 200 μg/ml.     

Construction of an improved amperometric acrylamide biosensor based on hemoglobin immobilized onto carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes/iron oxide nanoparticles/chitosan composite film

A method is described for construction of an improved amperometric acrylamide biosensor based on covalent immobilization of hemoglobin (Hb) onto nanocomposite of carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (cMWCNT) and iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄NPs) electrodeposited onto Au electrode through chitosan (CHIT) film. The Hb/cMWCNT-Fe₃O₄NP/CHIT/Au electrode was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and differential pulse voltammetry at different stages of its construction. The biosensor was based on interaction between acrylamide and Hb, which led to decrease in the electroactivity of Hb, i.e., current generated during its reversible conversion [Fe(II)/Fe(III)]. The biosensor showed optimum response within 8 s at pH 5.0 and 30 °C. The linear working range for acrylamide was 3–90 nM, with a detection limit of 0.02 nM and sensitivity of 36.9 μA/nM/cm². The biosensor was evaluated and employed for determination of acrylamide in potato crisps.     

Extracellular biosynthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles by Bacillus subtilis strains isolated from rhizosphere soil

The biological synthesis of nanoparticles is emerging as a potential method for nanoparticle synthesis due to its non-toxicity and simplicity. We report the ability of Bacillus subtilis strains isolated from rhizosphere soil to produce iron oxide nanoparticles. B. subtilis strains having the potential for the extracellular biosynthesis of Fe₃O₄nanoparticles were isolated from rhizosphere soil, identified and characterized. A bactericidal protein subtilin was isolated from all the isolates of B. subtilis, which is a characteristic for the species. The isolated subtilin was tested against the bacterial strain, E. coli. The supernatant of the bacterial culture was used for the synthesis of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. The formation of nanoparticles was assessed by using UV-Visible spectrophotometer. FTIR and SEM analysis were used in order to confirm the formation and size of the nanoparticles. Further, the effect of incubation time, pH, and temperature on the formation of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles was studied. The successful synthesis of stabilized Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles, which was capped by the organic group, indicates the applicability of the isolated B. subtilis strain for the bulk synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles.     

Evaluation of the Biodistribution of Magnetoliposomes in a Tumor and Organs of Mice by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy has been applied for the first time to study the bio-distribution of magnetoliposomes formed with magnetite nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄) in tumors and organs of Lewis carcinoma-bearing mice in the absence and presence of an external magnetic field. The animals of the experimental group were subjected to an external magnetic field (0.6 T) in the tumor area after intravenous injection of magnetoliposomes at a dose of 7.56 Fe/kg. Analysis of the electron-spin resonance spectra of mouse organs and tissue samples showed that exposure to a magnetic field resulted in a two-fold increase in Fe₃O₄ accumulation within the tumor (p < 0.05) compared to the control; this makes it possible to recommend the obtained magnetoliposomes for use as a magnetically controlled carriers for targeted delivery of antitumor agents. A high concentration of superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles was detected in the liver in the absence and presence of an external magnetic field. The differences in the accumulation of Fe₃O₄ in the lungs and liver in the presence of a magnetic field were statistically insignificant.