Surface engineered Iron oxide nanoparticles for biomedical applications

The proposed research aims to develop nanotechnology based on low-cost iron oxide for easy detection, targeting and separation of biomacromolecules from mixtures of proteins and nucleic acids. Iron oxide nanoparticles will be coated with polymers on the surface. The surface exposed chemical groups will be tuned through synthetic articulation of the polymers. The iron oxide nanoparticles will also be encapsulated into the aqueous polymeric assemblies. The solutions containing polymer functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles will be introduced into biological fluids. The proteins and nucleic acids will interact with the polymer coating on iron-oxide nanoparticles based on the polymeric surface. The nanoparticles with bound biological cargo will be removed by simply applying an external magnetic field. Galenvs Sciences, the partner organization, is involved in developing biosensors and delivery methods for nucleic acids. This research will enhance the scope of their manufacturing process in designing more efficient magnetic nanoparticle-based biotechnology.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ashok Kakkar

Student:

Partner:

Galenvs

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

McGill University

Program: