Silica-encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles: enzyme immobilization and cytotoxic study.

Silica-encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were prepared via microemulsion method. The products were characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDS). MNPs with no observed cytotoxic activity against human lung carcinoma cell and brine shrimp lethality were used as suitable support for glucose oxidase (GOD) immobilization. Binding of GOD onto the support was confirmed by the FTIR spectra. The amount of immobilized GODs was 95 mg/g. Storage stability study showed that the immobilized GOD retained 98% of its initial activity after 45 days and 90% of the activity was also remained after 12 repeated uses. Considerable enhancements in thermal stabilities were observed for the immobilized GOD at elevated temperatures up to 80°C and the activity of immobilized enzyme was less sensitive to pH changes in solution.