Stable Solid Magnetic Nanoparticles: With a Potential for Nucleic Acid Recovery and Delivery

Abstract

Expanding scope of magnetic nanoparticles amongst various nucleic acid recovery methods is often questioned with the stability that it offers. Oxidation from magnetite state to maghemite state which is often accompanied by aggregation can affect their efficacy. Isolation of nucleic acid through conventional methods necessitates the need of precipitation, centrifugation and sophisticated equipment. Correspondingly, it initiates the outflow of aerosols into the working environment. Isolation assisted via magnetic nanoparticles can eliminate the spread of infection. High surface area possessed by iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPS) is an add-on property with its magnetic nature that enhances isolation from traces of nucleic acid. Present study involves surface modifications of IONPS using polyethyleneimine (PEI) and silicon alkoxide. This aims for an enhancement in stability of IONPS along with their binding and retrieval efficacy. Results validated using standard DNA confirmed a 70% retrieval efficacy for PEI coated IONPS. Silicon alkoxide surface modification offered improved life time and stability with a reduction in agglomeration of IONPS than PEI. Qualitative and quantitative analysis carried out confirmed the characteristics and stability of various IONPS and standard DNA. Automated DNA extraction can be seen as an extended goal for this technique.