A core-shell nanomaterial with endogenous therapeutic and diagnostic functions.

In the present communication we report the fabrication a unique core-shell inorganic nanomaterial with potential therapeutic and diagnostic functions. It contains an iron-cobalt (FeCo) core that demonstrates MRI contrast property and a thin nanoshell of gold that inhibits the function of a pro-angiogenic growth factor, VEGF165. Au(FeCo) core-shell nanomaterials are fabricated in the gas phase and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), inductively coupled plasma analysis (ICP) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

In vitro and in vivo lung deposition of coated magnetic aerosol particles.

The magnetic induced deposition of polydispersed aerosols composed of agglomerated superparamagnetic particles was measured with an in vitro model system and in the mouse trachea and deep lung for the purpose of investigating the potential of site specific respiratory drug delivery. Oleic acid coated superparamagnetic particles were prepared and characterized by TEM, induced magnetic moment, and iron content. The particles were dispersed in cyclohexane, aerosolized with an ultrasonic atomizer and dried by sequential reflux and charcoal columns.

A detection system based on giant magnetoresistive sensors and high-moment magnetic nanoparticles demonstrates zeptomole sensitivity: potential for personalized medicine.

Zeptomole detector: A highly sensitive giant-magnetoresistive chip and FeCo nanoparticles can be used to linearly detect 600-4500 copies of streptavidin. Under unoptimized conditions, this system also detects human IL-6 with a sensitivity 13-times higher than that of standard ELISA techniques.