Preparation of amino acid conjugated nano-magnetic particles for delivery systems

Abstract

Nanotechnologies to allow the nondisruptive introduction of carriers in vivo have wide potential for therapeutic delivery system. Iron oxide (γ-Fe2O3) nano-magnetic particles (NMPs) were functionalized by silanization with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane. For the purpose of functionalizing the surface of the particles with amino groups for subsequent cross-linking with pharmaceuticals and biomolecules. We have evaluated physical characterization of obtained NMPs by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, a superconducting quantum interference device, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy to confirm particle preparation. The particles were successfully introduced into living cells without any further modification to enhance endocytic internalization, such as the use of a cationic help. Furthermore, the functionalized NMPs were conjugated with an amino acid via a cross-linker, N-(ε-maleimidocaproyloxy) sulfosuccinimide ester, with the goal of selective uptake of NMPs by cells. To confirm the amino acid modification of the NMPs, the amino acid-conjugated NMPs were labeled with a fluorescent reagent (dansyl chloride), and the fluorescence was observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The amino acid-conjugated NMPs have great potential for use in cell-selective delivery systems involving amino acid transporter proteins. © 2007 The Surface Science Society of Japan.