Biofunctionalized nanocomposites based on magnetite and chitosan for medical applications

Abstract

Nanometer-sized particles have optical, magnetic, chemical and structural properties that set them apart from bulk solids and control the applications in nanomedicine [1]. Highlights key themes for nanomedicine refer to: (1) interaction, because the cells are active participants in any treatment or experiment and are able to influence the interactions with nanomaterials and adapt their response; (2) alteration, which is connected with the bio-activity, which can, and usually does, change the physiochemical properties of the nanomaterials, either through coating of the particle surface with bio-molecules or through chemical reaction with components from particles shell and core; (3) adaptation, because changes are essential when dealing with dynamic biological systems able to respond and adapt.