Standard Operating Procedure for Preparation of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications

1) Purpose

This SOP outlines the procedure for the preparation of magnetic nanoparticles used in biomedical applications, such as targeted drug delivery, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and hyperthermia treatment.

2) Scope

This SOP applies to laboratory personnel involved in the preparation and characterization of magnetic nanoparticles for biomedical use.

3) Responsibilities

• Operators: Responsible for preparing magnetic nanoparticles following the outlined protocol.
• QA: Ensures the prepared nanoparticles meet the required specifications for size, magnetic properties, and biocompatibility.

4) Procedure

4.1 Preparation of Magnetic Nanoparticles

4.1.1 Material Selection

• 4.1.1.1 Select suitable magnetic materials, such as iron oxide (Fe₃O₄ or Fe₂O₃), for nanoparticle synthesis.
• 4.1.1.2 Ensure that all materials are of high purity and suitable for biomedical applications.

4.2 Synthesis of Magnetic Nanoparticles

4.2.1 Co-Precipitation Method

• 4.2.1.1 Dissolve ferric chloride (FeCl₃) and ferrous chloride (FeCl₂) in water at a 2:1 molar ratio under nitrogen atmosphere.
• 4.2.1.2 Add ammonium hydroxide (NH₄OH) dropwise under constant stirring to precipitate magnetic nanoparticles.
• 4.2.1.3 Continue stirring for 30 minutes to ensure uniform particle formation.

4.3 Surface Functionalization

4.3.1 Coating with Biocompatible Materials

• 4.3.1.1 Coat the magnetic nanoparticles with a biocompatible material such as PEG, dextran, or silica to enhance their stability and compatibility with biological systems.

4.3.2 Ligand Attachment

• 4.3.2.1 Attach specific targeting ligands (e.g., antibodies, peptides) to the surface of the nanoparticles for targeted biomedical applications.

4.4 Particle Size and Magnetic Property Characterization

4.4.1 Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)

• 4.4.1.1 Measure the size and distribution of magnetic nanoparticles using DLS.

4.4.2 Magnetic Measurements

• 4.4.2.1 Use a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) or similar equipment to measure the magnetic properties (e.g., saturation magnetization, coercivity) of the nanoparticles.

4.5 Storage

4.5.1 Storage Conditions

• 4.5.1.1 Store the magnetic nanoparticles in sealed containers at 4°C or room temperature, depending on their stability and intended application.

5) Abbreviations, if any

• DLS: Dynamic Light Scattering
• VSM: Vibrating Sample Magnetometer
• PEG: Polyethylene Glycol

6) Documents, if any

• Magnetic Nanoparticle Preparation Logbook

7) References, if any

• Relevant literature on magnetic nanoparticles for biomedical applications

8) SOP Version

Version 1.0

Annexure

Magnetic Nanoparticle Preparation Logbook Template

  

    
Date
    
Batch Number
    
Material Used
    
Particle Size
    
Magnetic Properties
    
Operator Initials
    
QA Initials
  
  

    
DD/MM/YYYY
    
Batch Number
    
Material (e.g., Fe3O4)
    
Size in nm
    
Magnetic Properties
    
Operator Name
    
QA Name