Superficial Characteristics and Functionalization Effectiveness of Non-Toxic Glutathione-Capped Magnetic, Fluorescent, Metallic and Hybrid Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

An optimal design of nanoparticles suitable for biomedical applications requires proper functionalization, a key step in the synthesis of such nanoparticles, not only for subsequent crosslinking to biological targets and to avoid cytotoxicity, but also to endow these materials with colloidal stability. In this sense, a reliable characterization of the effectiveness of the functionalization process would, therefore, be crucial for subsequent bioconjugations. In this work, we have analyzed glutathione as a means to functionalize four of the most widely used nanoparticles in biomedicine, one of which is a hybrid gold-magnetic-iron-oxide nanoparticle synthetized by a simple and novel method that we propose in this article. We have analyzed the colloidal characteristics that the glutathione capping provides to the different nanoparticles and, using information on the Z-potential, we have deduced the chemical group used by glutathione to link to the nanoparticle core. We have used electron microscopy for further structural and chemical characterization of the nanoparticles. Finally, we have evaluated nanoparticle cytotoxicity, studying cell viability after incubation with different concentrations of nanoparticles, showing their suitability for biomedical applications.

Biogenic synthesis of ZnO and Al2O3 nanoparticles using Camellia sinensis and Origanum vulgare L. leaves extract for spectroscopic estimation of ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in commercial formulations

“…To increase the fluorescence intensity, nanostructures have also been used as sensor substrates. Recent studies have shown that it is possible to boost the fluorescence of affordable and non-toxic nanometal oxides, which holds tremendous promise for biomedical applications [ 25 ].…”

Solvothermal synthesis and characterization of ytterbium/iron mixed oxide nanoparticles with potential functionalities for applications as multiplatform contrast agent in medical image techniques

“…Functionalization of the NP surface with species containing bio-active terminal groups, such as amino or carboxylic groups, allows for subsequent linking to relevant biomolecules needed for targeted applications [32,33]. NP functionalization can also contribute to avoiding aggregation, minimizing accumulation in organs and/or phagocyte activation, thus maintaining a prolonged circulation time [34].…”