BionanotechnologyWhat is bionanotechnology?
Bionanotechnology is a field which exists at the interface of biology and materials science. It is a term used to describe the study of materials with nanoscale dimensions that interact with biological systems. Materials on this size scale can be tailored to have a range of special properties that make them of interest to biologists. In the case of discrete particles such properties include fluorescence, magnetism, light scattering ability, compound deliver, or any number of these properties combined. Coating the surface of these particles with biological molecules (e.g. antibodies, DNA) allows the nanoparticles to perform functions such as targeted delivery, imaging or providing in-vitro diagnostics.
Bionanotechnology at nanoComposix
nanoComposix is uniquely positioned to engineer particles to meet the needs of this emerging field. With expertise for fabricating precisely engineered materials at the nanoscale, the size, shape, and surface of various nanocomposite materials can be controlled. Nanoparticles can be coated with materials such as silica or alumina. Magnetic functionality can be introduced into core or shell layers. Fluorescence molecules, particles, or layers, can be incorporated into the nanocomposite to allow for tracking and imaging. Molecules can be bound to the surface of the particles to impart improved functionality such as polyethyleneglycol (PEG) for biological compatibility in vivo or antibodies for targeting. Perhaps of greatest importance, we have techniques for concentrating and purifying these particles at the multi-gram scale without inducing aggregation .
An example of multi-functional nanoparticles is the family of hollow silica nanoparticles that have been engineered for drug delivery applications. A silica shell is grown on the surface of a metal nanoparticle template. The size and shape of the silica nanoparticle is controlled by the geometry of the metal template particle. Careful modification of the stoichiometry of the silica growth allows for control over the thickness of the shell. The silica shell incorporates amine molecules that are utilized to covalently bind other biomolecules to the surface. Different fluorophores can be incorporated in the shell to allow for identification and tracking in-vivo. The porosity of the shell can be tuned to control the rate of diffusive delivery of drugs from the interior of the shell into the body. Such particles have immediate application for non-invasive methods of targeted drug delivery.