Biosynthesis of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Cancer Detection and Treatment

ABSTRACT

Chemical and physical methods for the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles for cancer detection and treatment often involve toxic chemicals, high cost and the formation of non-stable nanoparticles. This prompted the development of fundamental understanding of the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles, which are biocompatible, cost effective, stable, localized and environmentally friendly in the presence of magnetotactic bacteria. In this work, fundamental understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in the formation of magnetic nanoparticles by magnetotactic bacteria are unraveled. Soil dwelling microbes that respond to magnetic pull were cultured in the presence of ferrous salts in a magnetic spirillum growth medium (MSGM). A comparative analysis was made whereby a positive control Magnetospirillum magneticum and an indigenous isolated strain were used in the biosynthesis of magnetic nanoparticles. The dependence of particle shape and size on pH and time, were elucidated using a combination of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UVvisible spectrophotometry. The implications of the results are discussed for the development of magnetic nanoparticles for the detection and treatment of cancer.