Title: Anisotropic Colloidal Magnetic Nanostructures NSF Award Numbers: # Recent years have witnessed a remarkable convergence of physical sciences, biology and engineering, which promises to open new vistas for both, fundamental advances in interdisciplinary science and truly innovative technologies in a wide variety of fields. One thematic area which shows considerable promise in this regards is the interface between “hard” materials and “soft” biomolecular structures. In this NSF-MWN project, Northwestern University collaborates with the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IITB), India, to explore multifunctional magnetic nanostructures as possible contrast enhancement agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and hyperthermia (external heating) therapeutic delivery. The success of the collaborative project will help develop innovative strategies for improving site- and target specific diagnostics and therapeutics, based on fundamental advances in nanoscale magnetism and colloidal chemistry.

Title: Anisotropic Colloidal Magnetic Nanostructures NSF Award Numbers: # The principal objective of the project is to explore the role of shape anisotropy (i.e., highly faceted structures such as needles, prisms etc.) and core-shell structures in improving MRI contrast and bio-compatibility, through fundamental understanding of magnetism in biology. The performance of conventional magnetic nanostructures such as classical iron oxide is generally hindered by need for polymer and surfactant coatings on their surfaces, and limited magnetic properties (susceptibility). We are developing synthesis strategies for refractory and robust ceramic oxide coating (e.g. silica) for enhanced biocompatibility and a versatile platform for bio-activation. Using simple chemical approach, an ultra-thin (5 – 20 nm) a robust silica shell coating is formed on organic solvent-soluble highly quality monodispserd nanoparticles. These core-shell nanoparticles have higher uniformity than previously achieved by other synthetic approaches. The silica coating renders particles ‘water-soluble’ and is “ready-to-use” for further bioconjugation (Figure 1). This approach can also be extended for many other core nanoparticles including metals and their alloys, providing an opportunity to synthesize new nanoparticles with tailored magnetic properties of relevance to MRI contrast enhancement and magnetic delivery.

Title: Anisotropic Colloidal Magnetic Nanostructures NSF Award Numbers: # Primary Goal Indicator: Contributions Secondary Goal Indicators: New Materials Technology for bio-medical applications This work is notable because: The development of ceramic coated oxide and high magnetic property metal nanoparticles offer potential for new and improved biomedical contrast agents, magnetic devices for chemical/biological sensing, and drug delivery agents. Other Indicators (Is this work transformative or multidisciplinary?): Multidisciplinary Program Officer: Dr. Lynnette Madsen NSF Award Numbers: # Award Title: Materials World Network: Anisotropic Colloidal Magnetic Nanostructures PI Name: Vinayak P Dravid Institution Name: Northwestern University PE Code: