Characterization of magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with albumin for biological applications

In this paper we present a method for the large-scale preparation of biodegradable, biocompatible magnetic nanospheres, intended to be used for cell labeling techniques in magnetic separation of cells. We obtained magnetite nanoparticles functionalized with albumin using an ultrasonic method, at temperatures between 80-95degC. They were tested in a microfluidic channel. The characterization of the the magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with albumin was performed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and XRD. Nano-sized-materials such as magnetite functionalized with albumin nanoparticles demonstrated attractive physical-chemical properties that can be exploited to develop new bio-diagnostic and therapeutic strategies as well as novel biotechnology methodologies.