Nanotechnology 3 (inorganic)

Question 1

What does SPION stand for

Answer 1

Superparamagnetic iron oxide NPs (<20nm)

Question 2

Name 3 SPIONs approved for clinical imaging

Answer 2

Lumiren for bowel imaging
Feridex IV for liver and spleen imaging
Combidex for lymph node metastases imaging

Question 3

Describe the biomedical NP platform

Answer 3

Comprises an:
- Inorganic core
- Biocompatible surface coating
- Potential for functional ligands

Question 4

What are AuNPs?

Answer 4

Gold nanoparticles

Question 5

Describe the structure of AuNPs

Answer 5

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have a core made of gold atoms. Around that core, you can attach different molecules (a process called functionalization) to change how the particles behave in the body or in experiments.

These molecules often contain:
A thiol group (-SH) or
An amine group (-NH₂)

Why those? Because:
Thiol groups form strong, stable bonds with gold (called Au–S bonds).
Amine groups can also bind, though not quite as strongly, and are useful in some types of reactions.

Question 6

How to convert gold salts into gold nanoparticles?

Answer 6

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can be made by using sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) to reduce gold salts (like AuCl₄⁻) into tiny gold particles.

While this is happening, thiol-containing molecules (-SH groups) are added. These thiols stick to the surface of the forming gold particles, creating a protective monolayer (a single layer of molecules) around the gold core.

This layer helps stabilize the nanoparticles and allows for further functionalization (like attaching drugs or targeting molecules).

Question 7

What is theranostics?

Answer 7

Therapeutics + diagnostics