Technology to functionalise nanoparticles for biomedical applications

IMEC has developed a generic and versatile method to synthesise stable, biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles.

By tuning the endgroups, the functionalised nanoparticles can be used for a wide variety of biomedical applications, such as accurate drug delivery, improved diagnostics and targeted cancer therapy.

The technology can also be used for in-vitro as well as in-vivo applications such as magnetic biosensing, cell separation, contrast enhancement in magnetic resonance imaging, tissue repair and hyperthermia treatment.

To apply magnetic nanoparticles in these fields, the size, shape and (bio)chemical coating of the particles need to be accurately controlled, the thermal and chemical stability needs to be retained and the magnetisation values must be high.

IMEC claimed to create the first ever reported robust technology for functionalised magnetic nanoparticles meeting the stringent biomedical characteristics by using a hydrophobic surfactant to passivate the surface.

To make them compatible with biological environments, the nanoparticles are made water-soluble. The latter is done by a self-assembly procedure in which the hydrophobic surface ligands are replaced by silanes bearing a choice of three different endgroups (amino, carboxylic acid or poly(ethylene glycol)).

As a result, the magnetic nanoparticles achieve highly stable and water-dispersible properties. The silane molecules even form a protective layer against mild acid and alkaline environments. The possibility to use three different endgroups makes the nanoparticles suitable to interact with various biological particles such as proteins, DNA or cells.

The company will investigate if the functionalised magnetic nanoparticles can enhance the contrast of magnetic resonance imaging by magnetically tagging cells after bringing functionalised magnetic nanoparticles in the blood stream.