New types of silica-fortified magnetic nanoparticles as tools for molecular biology applications

The synthesis and physico-chemical characterization of superparamagnetic po lysaccharide nanoparticles (200-400 nm) with an iron oxide content of 75-80 % are described. The robustness of the particle matrix was increased by int ercalation of nanoscaled silica. Electrokinetic and streaming potential mea surements have been carried out to optimize the silica content of the parti cles. Specific surface modifications for various in vitro particle applicat ions can also be optimized using these measurements. (C) 1999 Elsevier Scie nce B.V. All rights reserved.