Biofunctionalization of Anisotropic Nanocrystalline Semiconductor-Magnetic Heterostructures

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Angela Agostiano - (Author)
  • Luca Bertinetti - , Chair of Bioprospecting, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (Author)
  • Pasquale Carrieri - (Author)
  • Roberto Comparelli - (Author)
  • M. Lucia Curri - (Author)
  • Nicoletta Depalo - (Author)
  • Claudia Innocenti - (Author)
  • Claudio Sangregorio - (Author)
  • Marinella Striccoli - (Author)

Abstract

Asymmetric binary nanocrystals (BNCs) formed by a spherical γ-Fe2O3 magnetic domain epitaxially grown onto a lateral facet of a rodlike anatase TiO2 nanorod have been functionalized with PEG-terminated phospholipids, resulting in a micellar system that enables the BNC dispersion in aqueous solution. The further processability of the obtained water-soluble BNC including PEG lipid micelles and their use in bioconjugation experiments has been successfully demonstrated by covalently binding to bovine serum albumin (BSA). The whole process has also been preliminarily performed on spherical iron oxide nanocrystals (NCs) and TiO2 nanorods (NRs), which form single structural units in the heterostructures. Each step has been thoroughly monitored by using optical, structural, and electrophoretic techniques. In addition, an investigation of the magnetic behavior of the iron oxide NCs and BNCs, before and after incorporation into PEG lipid micelles and subsequently bioconjugation, has been carried out, revealing that the magnetic characteristics are mostly retained. The proposed approach to achieving water-soluble anisotropic BNCs and their bioconjugates has a large potential in catalysis and biomedicine and offers key functional building blocks for biosensor applications.

Details

Original languageUndefined
Pages (from-to)6962 - 6970
JournalLangmuir
Volume27
Issue number11
Publication statusPublished - 2011
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 79957971972