In this project, we described the production of chrysin-loaded L-phenyl alanine (Phe)-coated iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (chrysin@Phe@IOMNs). chrysin@Phe@IOMNs were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Next, hemocompatibility and biocompatibility of Phe-coated IOMNs were determined by hemolysis and MTT assays on HFF-2 and HEK-293 cell lines, respectively. Finally, the anticancer activity of chrysin@Phe@IOMNs was examined on MCF-7 cell line. The outcomes direct that as-prepared nanocarriers are nontoxic and biocompatible and also chrysin@Phe@IOMNs are appropriate for chrysin delivery and other hydrophobic therapeutic agents.

Halloysite clay nanotubes are safe and biocompatible nanomaterials and their application in biomaterials is very promising. The microencapsulation of yeast cells in the shell of clay nanotubes modifying their properties was demonstrated here. Each cell was coated with a 200–300 nm-thick tube shell and this coating was not harmful for these cells’ reproduction. Synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles on the surfaces of the nanotubes allowed for magnetic-field manipulation of the coated cells, including their separation. Providing nano-designed shells for biological cells is a step forward in development of ‘cyborg’ microorganisms combining their intrinsic properties with functions added through nano-engineering.

Understanding the fundamental properties of macromolecules has enhanced the development of emerging technologies used to improve biomedical research. Currently, there is a critical need for innovative platforms that can illuminate the function of biomedical reagents in a native environment. To address this need, we have developed an in situ approach to visualize the dynamic behavior of biomedically relevant macromolecules at the nanoscale. Newly designed silicon nitride devices containing integrated “microwells” were used to enclose active macromolecular specimens in liquid for transmission electron microscopy imaging purposes.We were able to successfully examine novel magnetic resonance imaging contrast reagents, micelle suspensions, liposome carrier vehicles, and transcribing viral assemblies. With each specimen tested, the integrated microwells adequately maintained macromolecules in discrete local environments while enabling thin liquid layers to be produced.

Fe, Co, and Ni magnetic nanoparticles have been characterized using energy-selected imaging in a high-resolution transmission electron microscope. The samples comprised Fe/FeOx and Co/CoOx nanoparticles synthesized by inert gas evaporation and a Ni/C nano-composite prepared by a sonochemical method. All of the particles examined were found to be between 5 and 30 nm in size, with the Fe and Co crystals coated in 5–10 nm of metal oxide layer and the Ni metallic crystallites embedded in an amorphous carbon spherical matrix.