Synthesis and cellular compatibility of biomineralized Fe3O4 nanoparticles in tumor cells targeting peptides

Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) coated with WSG-peptide were prepared via a facile biomineralization technique at room temperature. The concentration of the peptides and the mixing time could substantially influence the morphology of as-prepared particles. The saturation magnetization of WSG-coated Fe3O4 particles were 35.92 emu/g, slightly higher than that of Fe3O4 without WSG peptides. Cell viability assay revealed that WSG-coated Fe3O4 particles had a good cellular compatibility. In addition, compared with Fe3O4 NPs, the mineralized Fe3O4 NPs coated with WSG peptides could more easily assemble into the cancer cell, indicating that the WSG-Fe3O4 NPs possess cancer targeting property. Thus, the WSG-coated Fe3O4 NPs could be used in cancer diagnosis and treatment fields.

Graphical abstractThe morphology of biomineralized nanoparticles is influenced by the organic templates.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Fe3O4 NPs coated with WSG-peptide were prepared via a biomineralization technique. ► WSG-coated Fe3O4 particles had a good cellular compatibility. ► WSG-Fe3O4 NPs possess a cancer targeting property.