Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Research Articles

Designing magnetic microcapsules for cultivation and differentiation of stem cell spheroids

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) represent an excellent cell source for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications. However, there remains a need for robust and scalable differentiation of stem cells into functional adult tissues. In this paper, we sought to address this challenge by developing magnetic microcapsules carrying hPSC spheroids. A co-axial flow-focusing microfluidic device was employed to encapsulate stem cells in core-shell microcapsules that also contained iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). These microcapsules exhibited excellent response to an external magnetic field and could be held at a specific location. As a demonstration of utility, magnetic microcapsules were used for differentiating hPSC spheroids as suspension cultures in a stirred bioreactor. Compared to standard suspension cultures, magnetic microcapsules allowed for more efficient media change and produced improved differentiation outcomes. In the future, magnetic microcapsules may enable better and more scalable differentiation of hPSCs into adult cell types and may offer benefits for cell transplantation.

β-Cyclodextrin and APTES functionalized magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for improved lipase immobilization, transesterification efficiency, and reusability

This study focuses on the immobilization of Rhizopus oryzae lipase (ROL) on magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) through physical adsorption, taking advantage of the magnetic properties of the nanoparticles for easy separation. Different types of nano-biocatalysts were prepared by immobilizing the lipase enzyme on bare iron nanoparticles (Fe3O4), APTES-functionalized iron nanoparticles (Fe3O4-APTES), and β-cyclodextrin-functionalized iron nanoparticles (Fe3O4-APTES-GA-β_CD). These nano-biocatalysts were employed in the transesterification process. The synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles was achieved using the coprecipitation method, and the structural, magnetic, and morphological properties of the iron nanoparticles (MNPs) were characterized through FTIR, XRD, VSM, SEM, and TEM analyses. The presence of strong physical bonds, resulting from hydrophilic and hydrophobic adsorption between β-cyclodextrin and the enzyme, led to an increased loading amount from 27.37% to 44.89%. The nano-biocatalysts exhibited enhanced thermal and storage stability compared to free lipase. In transesterification reactions, ROL/Fe3O4-APTES-GA-β_CD exhibited the highest conversion percentage of 64.3% among the functionalized enzymes. Furthermore, the reusability study demonstrated that ROL/Fe3O4-APTES-GA-β_CD retained 40.9% of the initial conversion percentage after five cycles, displaying the highest reusability among all nano-biocatalysts in this study.

Research Progress of Novel Inorganic Nanomaterials in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease.

The global increase in the number of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients has posed numerous treatment challenges. Six Food and Drug Administration-approved medications (e.g., donepezil and memantine) have demonstrated some efficacy but are primarily used to alleviate symptoms. The etiology of AD is unknown, and the blood-brain barrier restricts drug penetration, which severely restricts the use of various therapeutic agents. With their high targeting, long-lasting effect, and multifunctionality, inorganic nanomaterials provide a novel approach to the treatment of AD. A review of inorganic nanoparticles in the diagnosis and therapy of AD. This paper reviews the research literature on the use of inorganic nanomaterials in the treatment of AD. Gold nanoparticles, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and quantum dots are among the inorganic nanomaterials studied. As knowledge of the origins of AD remains limited, the majority of studies on inorganic nanomaterials have primarily focused on interventions on Aβ proteins. Adjusting and enhancing the properties of these inorganic nanomaterials, such as core-shell structure design and surface modification, confer benefits for the treatment of AD. Inorganic nanoparticles have a wide spectrum of therapeutic potential for AD. Despite their potential benefits, however, the safety and translation of inorganic nanomaterials into clinical applications remain formidable obstacles.

Recent Developments in the Catalytic Heterocycles Synthesis and Applications of Iron Oxide Nanomaterials

The synthesis of heterocyclic compounds has made extensive use of magnetic iron oxide (Fe2O3 and Fe3O4) nanoparticles as a heterogeneous catalyst. They are cheap, readily available, environmentally benign, and comparatively nontoxic catalysts. Crucially, these nanoparticles’ surface modification allows reactivity to be tailored enabling catalysts to be designed for specific uses. Important performance for economically viable industrial processes include the easy recovery and reuse of the magnetic nanoparticles from the reaction mixture by magnetic separation. In recent literature on catalytic applications of magnetic iron oxide NPs numerous reactions are reported viz. selective hydrogenation of nitro-heterocyclic compounds, synthesis of functionalized [1,3]-oxazoles, synthesis of benzothiazepine, spirobenzothiazine chroman derivatives and many more. We have collected various reports from the past twelve years and compiled this review on recent trends in catalytic heterocycles synthesis and other applications of iron oxide nanomaterials.

P13-33 Polymer-coated magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles: in vitro assessment of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects

P13-33 Polymer-coated magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles: in vitro assessment of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects

Poly(ε-Caprolactone)-Based Composites Modified With Polymer-Grafted Magnetic Nanoparticles and L-Ascorbic Acid for Bone Tissue Engineering.

The aim of this study was to develop multifunctional magnetic poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) mats with antibacterial properties for bone tissue engineering and osteosarcoma prevention. To provide good dispersion of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs), they were first grafted with PCL using a novel three-step approach. Then, a series of PCL-based mats containing a fixed amount of ION@PCL particles and an increasing content of ascorbic acid (AA) was prepared by electrospinning. AA is known for increasing osteoblast activity and suppressing osteosarcoma cells. Composites were characterized in terms of morphology, mechanical properties, hydrolytic stability, antibacterial performance, and biocompatibility. AA affected both the fiber diameter and the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. All produced mats were nontoxic to rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cells; however, a composite with 5 wt.% of AA suppressed the initial proliferation of SAOS-2 osteoblast-like cells. Moreover, AA improved antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli compared to PCL. Overall, these magnetic composites, reported for the very first time, can be used as scaffolds for both tissue regeneration and osteosarcoma prevention.

Targeted colorectal cancer treatment: In vitro anti-cancer effects of carnosine nanoparticles supported by agar and magnetic iron oxide

The usage of peptides in the colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment promises to be a new anti-cancer therapy with improved treatment efficacy. Carnosine, a natural dipeptide molecule, has been demonstrated to be a potential anti-cancer drug. Nonetheless, it shows an exhibition of high-water solubility and is quickly degraded by carnosinase. Meanwhile, agar and magnetic iron oxide are the most used materials for drug delivery due to some of their advantages such as the low cost and the larger biocompatibility feature. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-cancer ability of agar-encapsulated carnosine nanoparticles (AgCa-NPs) and agar-encapsulated carnosine nanoparticles-coated magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (AgCaN-MNPs) in human CRC cells, HCT-116. We evaluated the effects of AgCa-NPs and AgCaN-MNPs with a variety of concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15, 30, 40, or 50 mM) on HCT-116 cells after 72 h and 96 h by using MTT assay and observation cell morphology. We then analyzed the cell cycle progression and assessed the expression changes of genes related to apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, and angiogenesis after treatment for 96 h. The results showed that AgCa-NPs and AgCaN-MNPs in vitro study decreased HCT-116 cells viability. This effect was attributed to arrest of cell cycle, induction of programmed cell death, and suppression of angiogenesis by AgCa-NPs and AgCaN-MNPs. These findings revealed the antitumor efficacy of AgCa-NPs or AgCaN-MNPs for CRC treatment.

Optimization of 4-chlorophenol decomposition by H2O2 activate catalytic magnetic iron oxide an activated carbon carrier

Wastewater from chemical plants that produce pesticides always carries a large amount of organic matter that is difficult to decompose. One of them is the compound 4-chlorophenol, which has difficult-to-decompose properties, is durable in the environment, and is also listed in the group of substances that are likely to cause cancer in humans. In this study, the 4-chlorophenol compound was treated with heterogeneous Fenton by H2O2 activated by magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles on activated carbon. Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were successfully synthesized and mounted on activated carbon 10-15 nm in size with material surface morphological parameters such as specific surface area 330.28 cm2/g; total pore volume 0.16 cm3/g; magnetization 8.19 emu/g. The optimization of the 4-chlorophenols decomposition reaction with pH parameters, the content of catalytic materials, and the initial concentration of 4-chlorophenol is carried out using the Box-Behnken Design. The results showed that the removal efficiency of 4-chlorophenol was 96.5% achieved with optimum parameters pH 2.9; catalytic concentration 0.32 g/L; initial concentration of 4-chlorophenol 92.3 mg/L. The results of the study show the efficiency of the decomposition of an organic compound using magnetic activated carbon.

Monitoring of Nanodrug Accumulation in Murine Breast Cancer Metastases.

Metastatic breast cancer is a devastating disease with very limited therapeutic options, calling for new therapeutic strategies. Oncogenic miRNAs have been shown to be associated with the metastatic potential of breast cancer and are implicated in tumor cell migration, invasion, and viability. However, it can be difficult to deliver an inhibitory RNA molecule to the tissue of interest. To overcome this challenge and deliver active antisense oligonucleotides to tumors, we utilized magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as a delivery platform. These nanoparticles target tissues with increased vascular permeability, such as sites of inflammation or cancer. Delivery of these nanoparticles can be monitored in vivo by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to their magnetic properties. Translation of this therapeutic approach into the clinic will be more accessible because of its compatibility with this relevant imaging modality. They can also be labeled with other imaging reporters such as a Cy5.5 near-infrared optical dye for correlative optical imaging and fluorescence microscopy. Here, we demonstrate that nanoparticles labeled with Cy5.5 and conjugated to therapeutic oligomers targeting oncogenic miRNA-10b (termed MN-anti-miR10b, or "nanodrug") administered intravenously accumulate in metastatic sites, opening a possibility for therapeutic intervention of metastatic breast cancer.

Enhanced Removal of Pb(II), Paracetamol and Rhodamine B from Aqueous Solutions Using Engineered Low‐Cost Tea Waste‐Based Magnetic Nanocomposite

AbstractThe development of engineered biomass‐based adsorbents capable of efficiently removing pollutants from aqueous solutions has received tremendous attention due to their cost‐effectiveness and renewal potential. Herein, we report a one‐pot synthesis of a low‐cost magnetic composite (Fe3O4‐tea) derived from waste tea and iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles and its application as nanosorbent for the removal of Pb2+, rhodamine B and paracetamol as model pollutants from aqueous solutions. The FTIR, XRD, TGA, BET, TEM and zeta potential studies confirmed the successful synthesis of Fe3O4‐tea with an organic content of 54.55 wt.% and a surface area of 25.32 m2 g−1. The high saturation magnetization (Ms) of the composite estimated to 45.47 emu g−1 allows for its effortless separation and recovery from wastewater solutions using a simple bar magnet. Various theoretical models were considered to study and discuss adsorption isotherms and kinetics. The equilibrium kinetics were found to follow a second‐order model, regardless of the system investigated. Maximum monolayer adsorption capacities of 113.63, 92.59 and 60.24 mg g−1 were obtained for Rhodamine B, Pb2+ and paracetamol, respectively. These values are greater than the adsorption capabilities of several conventional and magnetic sorbents reported in the literature, including activated carbon. The adsorption process mechanism was also discussed based on pH studies. The results suggest that the Fe3O4‐tea adsorbent shows a great potential for effectively removing heavy metal ions and organic pollutants with a rapid uptake rate and easy magnetic separation.

A New Spin on Material Properties: Local Magnetic Structure in Functional and Quantum Materials.

The past few decades have made clear that the properties and performances of emerging functional and quantum materials can depend strongly on their local atomic and/or magnetic structure, particularly when details of the local structure deviate from the long-range structure averaged over space and time. Traditional methods of structural refinement (e.g., Rietveld) are typically sensitive only to the average structure, creating a need for more advanced structural probes suitable for extracting information about structural correlations on short length- and time-scales. In this Perspective, we describe the importance of local magnetic structure in several classes of emerging materials and present the magnetic pair distribution function (mPDF) technique as a powerful tool for studying short-range magnetism from neutron total-scattering data. We then provide a selection of examples of mPDF analysis applied to magnetic materials of recent technological and fundamental interest, including the antiferromagnetic semiconductor MnTe, geometrically frustrated magnets, and iron-oxide magnetic nanoparticles. The rapid development of mPDF analysis since its formalization a decade ago puts this technique in a strong position for making continued impact in the study of local magnetism in emerging materials.

Polyethylene glycol-assisted hydro-solvothermal growth of anisotropic magnetic iron oxides: The role of mixed environment conditions

In this study, an alternative mixed hydro-solvothermal route has been investigated for the synthesis of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with anisotropic shape. The synthesis was performed at mild conditions (150 °C) in a water/2-propanol environment, using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG400) as structure directing agent, sodium thiosulfate as reducing agent, and NaOH as precipitating agent. The resulting systems were characterized by combining morphological, structural, and magnetic techniques. Experimental results clearly demonstrate that magnetite/maghemite nanorods are preferentially obtained in water/PEG400 environment, whereas 2-propanol/PEG400 environment promotes the growth of magnetite/maghemite polyhedral systems. Interestingly, synthesis performed in a mixed hydro-solvothermal (i.e., water/2-propanol) environment favors the preferential growth of hematite phase.

Advancement in Mechanistic Alteration of IGFs Family of Receptors to Target Prostate and Cervical Cancer: An Updated Review

Insulin-like Growth Factors (IGFs) significantly impact mammalian physiology, including growth, development, ageing, and disease progression. The IGF system is composed of various growth factor receptors, including IGF-1R and IGF-2R. Serum IGF-1 levels and IGF-1R activation, along with downstream signaling components, are increasingly recognized as key factors in the expansion of prostate and cervical cancer. The study on IGF-1/IGF-1R activity and regulation is crucial in PCa research and cervical cancer studies. This signaling pathway significantly influences various cancer cell processes, such as survival, migration, and resistance to treatment. The inhibitors targeting IGF-1/IGF-1R have been developed to prevent the progression of cancer. The use of nanotechnology, including trap decoys, magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, and protein nanotubes, has significantly improved the treatment of cervical cancer. These agents have shown promise in preclinical models for cervical cancer research, but their efficacy in PCa patients requires clinical trial validation. Combining androgen deprivation therapy or chemotherapy with IGF-1R antagonists, using consistent predictive markers and evolving novel agents, may improve the results. This review highlights the importance of IGF-1 signaling in PCa and cervical cancer development and underscores its significance in potential cancer therapy strategies. The study has also explored prospective approaches to the next generation of IGF axis-targeting drugs.

Semisynthetic ferritin-based nanoparticles with high magnetic anisotropy for spatial magnetic manipulation and inductive heating.

The human iron storage protein ferritin represents an appealing template to obtain a semisynthetic magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) for spatial manipulation or inductive heating applications on a nanoscale. Ferritin consists of a protein cage of well-defined size (12 nm), which is genetically modifiable and biocompatible, and into which a magnetic core is synthesised. Here, we probed the magnetic response and hence the MNP's suitability for (bio-)nanotechnological or nanomedical applications when the core is doped with 7% cobalt or 7% zinc in comparison with the undoped iron oxide MNP. The samples exhibit almost identical core and hydrodynamic sizes, along with their tunable magnetic core characteristics as verified by structural and magnetic characterisation. Cobalt doping significantly increased the MNP's anisotropy and hence the heating power in comparison with other magnetic cores with potential application as a mild heat mediator. Spatial magnetic manipulation was performed with MNPs inside droplets, the cell cytoplasm, or the cell nucleus, where the MNP surface conjugation with mEGFP and poly(ethylene glycol) gave rise to excellent intracellular stability and traceability within the complex biological environment. A magnetic stimulus (smaller than fN forces) results in the quick and reversible redistribution of the MNPs. The obtained data suggest that semisynthetic ferritin MNPs are highly versatile nanoagents and promising candidates for theranostic or (bio-)nanotechnological applications.

Experimental and theoretical investigation of the treatment of Cu-rich Acid Mine Drainage using iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles

Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) is a significant environmental problem in the mining industry due to its high concentration of hazardous metals and metalloids, sulfate compounds, and low pH levels. Despite the attention that iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) have received for AMD remediation, there is still a lack of understanding of the physicochemical mechanisms behind their non-specific adsorption, particularly in distinct variations of AMD, such as Cu-rich AMD. In this study, we synthesized, characterized, and applied MNP to the two-step treatment of Cu-rich AMD. The chemical and physical properties of the MNP and magnetically separated sludges after AMD treatment are characterized. Additionally, the chemical species adsorbed onto the MNP, the oxidation state of the resultant sludge after Cu-rich AMD treatment, and the short-range ordering of metal contaminant species on the surface of the MNP are identified. Finally, first-principles calculations using Density Functional Theory were conducted to understand how different Cu ion species adsorb to the MNP surface depending on the pH of the Cu-rich AMD. The bonding between MNP and Cu species occurs primarily through metal cation-oxygen bonds on the surface of MNP, and this bonding is influenced by the pH of the solution. A combination of experimental and theoretical approaches was the key to arrive at this conclusion. This information can aid in the comprehension of how metal contaminants adhere to the surfaces of MNP and in the precise engineering of these nanoparticles.

Adsorption of Ciprofloxacin on Silver‐Coated Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Characterization, Optimization, and Kinetics

AbstractCiprofloxacin (CIP) is the commonly prescribed fluoroquinolone antibiotic and one of the top ten emerging pharmaceutical contaminants in the world. It can pose a potential health risk if its residues enter the body. In this study, the adsorption of CIP onto magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles coated with silver (Fe3O4@AgNPs) was evaluated. Fe3O4@AgNPs were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The parameters affecting the adsorption of CIP on nanoadsorbent were investigated including the adsorbent dose, pH, contact time, the salt content, and mixing speed. The highest efficiency of removal was achieved at pH 6, adsorbent dose of 3 mg l−1, salt content of 1 % (W/V) and shaking rate of 100 rpm. The adsorption process of CIP on the nanoadsorbent followed the Freundlich adsorption isotherm model, the adsorption kinetics was pseudo‐second order and the maximum adsorption capacity was 125 mg g−1.

Catalytic oxidation of alcohols catalyzed by gold-coated iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles in water

Catalytic oxidation of alcohols catalyzed by gold-coated iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles in water

Use of magnetic nanoparticles of iron oxide and their derivatives in the adsorption of rhodamine 6G and rhodamine B dyes

Rhodamines are cationic dyes widely used in textiles and as laser media, despite their many severe health and environmental hazards. In this work, we have assessed the potential of magnetite and cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) for removing rhodamines B (Rh B) and 6G (Rh 6G) from aqueous solutions. The magnetite (Fe3O4) NPs were synthesized by the co-precipitation method, while the cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) NPs were obtained hydrothermally. The structures of cubic magnetite Fe3O4 and cubic CoFe2O4 were confirmed by XRD and by FTIR and Raman, while the surface morphology checked by SEM showed clusters of polydisperse particles with average diameters around 51.0 nm and 57.0 nm, respectively. These particles presented calculated BET surface areas of 33.8 m2/g (Fe3O4) and 47.3 m2/g (CoFe2O4). Hysteresis curves confirmed the ferromagnetic behavior for both NPs. The point of zero charge was 6.46 for Fe3O4 and 7.16 for CoFe2O4, and using pH 4 in the system, the overall percent removal (%R) were above 80 % for all samples during the uptake of Rh B and 6G. The system Rh 6 G-CoFe2O4 performed better at pH 6 (%R ∼93 %). In all cases, the Elovich and pseudo-second-order (PSO) models were chosen for fitting the kinetic data, and after equilibrium was reached (∼ 30 min), the adsorptive capacities were estimated to be above 138 mg g−1 for all systems. Adsorption isotherms at 301, 311 and 321 K were obtained. Good agreement between the experimental data and the Langmuir, Freundlich and Sips models was observed for Rh 6 G adsorption by both NPs (R2 ≥ 0.90). The Freundlich model was the only one that fitted well the experimental data for Rh B (R2 ≥ 0.90, for all systems). The thermodynamic parameters were also calculated from the isotherm data.

Removal of lead and cadmium ions from water using primary-secondary amine modified magnetic microbeads: Equilibrium, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies

This study developed novel magnetic microbeads based on trimethoxysilylpropylethylenediamine (TSD) as a primary-secondary amine source through a one-pot process. The process involves coating magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) with primary-secondary amine (TSD), followed by cross-linking with alginate (Alg). The ternary magnetic microbeads (Alg@MTSD) were used to remove Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions from aqueous media. The nanocomposite was characterized using various techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Adsorption experiments were conducted under optimal conditions, and isothermal models, including Langmuir and Freundlich, as well as kinetic models, were applied to evaluate the experimental data. The findings indicated that the Langmuir model best fit the adsorption data for Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions, with R2 > 0.99. The maximum adsorption capacities were 68 mg·g−1 for Pb2+ and 51 mg·g−1 for Cd2+. Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamic analysis suggested that the adsorption mechanism was physisorption.

Negative Regulators, TUP1, NRG1, and TOR1: Possible Molecular Targets of Antibiofilm Activity of Nano-Fe3 O4 in Candida albicans

Background: Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathobiont that manifests as candidiasis. Drug-resistant biofilms hinder current treatment of candidiasis. The morphological control of filamentous growth and biofilm formation is vital for the pathogenicity of C. albicans. This study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (nano-Fe3 O4 ) against C. albicans, their ability to inhibit pre-formed biofilms, and to examine the expression levels of negative regulators, transcriptional repressors thymidine uptake 1 (TUP1), the negative transcriptional regulator of glucose repressed genes (NRG1), and target of rapamycin (TOR1) in C. albicans pre-formed biofilms after treatment with nano-Fe3 O4 . Methods: This study examines the antifungal activity of nano-Fe3 O4 against C. albicans, its ability to inhibit pre-formed biofilms, and investigates the expression levels of negative regulators, TUP1, NRG1, and TOR1 in C. albicans pre-formed biofilms after treatment with nano-Fe3 O4 . Results: Nano-Fe3 O4 at concentrations of 2× minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), 1× MIC, and ½× MIC showed significant inhibitory effects on C. albicans pre-formed biofilm formation by 2,3-bis (2-methoxy-4-nitro-5 sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino) carbonyl])-2H-tetrazolium hydroxide (XTT), crystal violet staining and light field microscopy with a MIC of 50 μg/mL. Gene expression profiling showed that nano-Fe3 O4 upregulates targets TUP1, NRG1, and TOR1 in C. albicans pre-formed biofilms. Conclusion: Our results suggest that nano-Fe3 O4 diminishes pre-formed biofilms and may subsequently reduce the pathogenicity of C. albicans, which can be responsible for biofilm-associated infections. TUP1, NRG1, and TOR1 may be possible molecular targets in C. albicans pre-formed biofilms after treatment with nano-Fe3 O4.