Self-assembly of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles in Chainlike Array on DNA Template, their Characterization and Cancer Cell Identification

Abstract

We report the synthesis of DNA templated chainlike 3 4 Fe O nanoparticles. DNA being a chainlike molecule directs the growth of
particles along its length due to electrostatic attraction between positively charged metal ions of salts and the negatively charged phosphate backbone of DNA chain. In our work, a series of measurements like TEM (transmission electron microscopy), XRD (X-ray powder diffractometry) and some spectroscopic analysis were done to characterize the morphology, structure and composition of the particles. Their magnetic properties were measured using a VSM (Vibrating Sample Magnetometer). A preliminary magnetic analysis of 3 4 Fe O shows superparamagnetic character. These DNA templated magnetic nanoparticles are attached to cancer cells selectively and kill most of the cancer cells. Hence this kind of material will be useful for identification of cancer as well as cancer treatment.