Biofunctionalization

In recent years, biofunctional magnetic particles have attracted interest as nanoscopic carriers for biological and medical applications. They are of interest for improved separation systems and assays, targeted drug delivery, active (bio?)catalysis, and more. The functionalization process is shown to be effective and versatile when polymers are involved in a core-shell structure, either as a nanogel¹ or a surface-attached brush.² Employing functional monomers in the synthesis of the polymer phase, it is possible to introduce biologically or (bio)catalytically active groups.³ The inorganic particles serve as local antennas for energy absorption, and allow the easy separation and recovery of the multifunctional nanohybrids via magnetic fields.

We are interested in the development, optimization and application of biofunctional particles.  Cyclodextrins are incorporated in the polymer shell for reversible immobilization of drugs due to entropically favored host-guest complex formation.⁴ The magneto-responsive release can be induced in AC fields.⁵ Further, magnetic hybrid particles are capable to separate proteins and biological components.⁶ Taking advantage of the redox properties and energy dissipation properties are explored for their potential in  cancer therapy.  Finally, functionalized magnetic particles can be targeted to special regions in human body.

1. "Thermoresponsive magnetic colloids", A. M. Schmidt, Colloid Polym. Sci. 285, 953–966 (2007).
2. "Magnetic thermoresponsive core-shell nanoparticles", T. Gelbrich, M. Feyen, A.M. Schmidt, Macromolecules 39, 3469–3472 (2006).
3. "Hybrid biofunctional nanostructures as stimuli-responsive catalytic systems", G.U. Marten, T. Gelbrich, A.M. Schmidt,  Beilstein J. of Org. Chem. 6, 922–31 (2010).
4. "A Magnetoresponsive Drug Delivery System via ß-Cyclodextrin Functionalized Magnetic Polymer Brushes", G. U. Marten, T. Gelbrich, H. Ritter, A. M. Schmidt, IEEE Trans. Magn. 49(1), 364-370 (2013).
5. "Induction heating of novel thermoresponsive ferrofluids", A. M. Schmidt,  J. Magn. Magn. Mater. 289C, 5–8 (2005).
6. "Active ester functional single core magnetic nanostructures as a versatile immobilization matrix for effective bioseparation and catalysis", T. Gelbrich, M. Reinartz, A.M. Schmidt  Biomacromolecules 11, 635–42 (2010).
7. "Metal carbonyls supported on iron oxide nanoparticles to trigger the CO-gasotransmitter release by magnetic heating",P. Kunz, H. Meyer, J. Barthel, S. Sollazzo, A. M. Schmidt, C. Janiak , Chem. Commun. 49, 4896-4898 (2013).