Study of protein coatings on magnetic nanoparticles by the method of spectral and fluorescent probes

摘要

Creation of biocompatible coatings on the surface of magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) opens up the prospects for their use in medicine. Of particular interest is creation of stable coatings based on proteins. The novel free radical method of creation of stable protein coatings on the surface of individual MNP, which is based on the ability of proteins to undergo modification with formation of interchain covalent bonds under the action of free radicals generated on the surface of MNP by the Fenton reaction, permits overcoming the problems conventionally appearing upon creation of protein coatings on the surface of MNP: the formation of a polydisperse ensemble of particles, nonselective linking of proteins leading to crosslinking of macromolecules in solution, and desorption of coatings. Recently the free radical method has been realized for serum albumin. The coatings obtained were formed on individual nanoparticles and were characterized by high stability. To date, different approaches have been developed to study the processes of protein adsorption on nanoobjects and functional properties of proteins with the use of IR spectroscopy, UV spectrophotometry, ESR spectroscopy of spin labels, and other techniques. These approaches are of limited use as regards studying the functional properties of proteins adsorbed on MNP. The aim of this communication is to develop a spectral and fluorescent method for studying the adsorption processes of proteins and their functional properties in MNP coatings linked by the free radical mechanism.