Biomimetically Synthesized Aqueous Ferrofluids Having Antibacterial and Anticancer Properties

Abstract

Synthesis of functional iron oxide nanoparticles, well dispersed in aqueous fluids still remains a challenge as its stability requires a delicate balance between electrostatic and magnetic interactions. Templated synthesis using biomolecules is useful because the biomolecules have their unique arrangement in aqueous systems that enhance stability, commonly called “biomimetic synthesis”. We have developed a one-pot in-situ, low energy process for the synthesis of highly monodispersed, Collagen Functionalized Ferrofluids (CFF) as a templating agent in an aqueous medium. The nanoparticles so obtained were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The antibacterial activity in terms of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and growth inhibition has been assessed against gram positive, Staphylococcus aureus, ATCC 13709 (native strain) and in Escherichia coli, DH5α gram negative bacteria. The cytotoxicity of the CFFs on cancer cell lines human embryonic kidney (HEK), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) and Ehrlich ascitic carcinoma (EAC) have also been investigated. CFFs indicated variable MIC and MBC values against S. aureus and E. coli being minimum for 1.5% CFF (MIC:23.43 μg/ml and 93.75 μg/ml and MBC: 46.87 μg/ml and 187.5 μg/ml). The observed cytotoxicity in mammalian cells indicated the susceptibility of MCF-7 breast cancer cells when compared to HEK cells.