Biomolecule Delivery

About

Summary: Rutgers researchers have developed multimodal nanoparticles comprised of a highly magnetic core and an optically active gold shell, with well-defined structural characteristics and physical properties. Nanoparticle-based imaging and therapy has led to the development of "theranostic" agents, which can be defined as nanoplatforms that co-deliver imaging and therapeutic modalities simultaneously. However, inorganic agents under current studies, including quantum dots and magnetic and gold nanoparticles, each have their own unique capabilities as well as limitations. Thus, it is highly desirable to engineer nanoprobes with multiple inorganic components integrated into a single, compact nanoparticle. Rutgers scientists synthesized doped iron oxide cores and coated them with a thin continuous gold shell to ensure higher stability, biocompatibility, and facile surface functionality. This novel magneto-plasmonic nanoparticle technology is a versatile nanoplatform that possesses both magnetic and optical properties including magnetic attraction, near-infrared absorption, and photon scattering, as well as an inert and facile surface amenable to further functionalization. Further studies have demonstrated that these nanoparticles hold superior efficiency in delivering biomolecules to neural stem cells, which have tremendous potential for restorative central nervous system (CNS) therapy but are known to be difficult to transfect.    Market Application: This technology is a versatile multimodal nanoplatform for  Magnetic ally-enhanced intracellular delivery  Molecular imaging  Hyperthermia-based therapy    Advantages: The platform bears both magnetic and optical properties including magnetic attraction, near-infrared absorption, photon scattering, high biocompatibility, long-term stability as well as inert and facile surface amenable to further functionalization. It exhibits superior efficiency in delivering biomolecules to cells.