Mirza Muhammad Faran Ashraf Baig

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong

Title: Recent Advances of Magnetic Gold Hybrids and Nanocomposites, and Their Potential Biological Applications

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Biography

My research work mainly focuses on the construction and function of DNA nanomachines, which are cutting edge and challenging topics. I designed and constructed unique DNA molecular tension probes using a short circular DNA nanotechnology technique and functionalized these probes with fluorophores, gold nanoparticles, small molecular drugs, and peptide ligands. I achieved nano-specific precision in organizing plasmonic nanoparticles on the nano DNA frameworks to achieve plasmon resonance effects. My work on the DNA nanomachines provided an efficient mechanism of fluorescence resonance energy transfer that realizes the bio-imaging, and detection of biological events, and functions of the biomolecules. I have been working on multilayered hybrid magnetic nanoparticles for applications in nanomedicine from last two years. 

Abstract

Magnetic gold nanoparticles (mGNP) have become a great interest of research for nanomaterial scientists because of their significant magnetic and plasmonic properties applicable in biomedical applications. Various synthetic approaches and surface modification techniques have been used for mGNP including the most common being the coprecipitation, thermal decomposition, and microemulsion methods in addition to the Brust Schiffrin technique, which involves the reduction of metal precursors in a two-phase system (water and toluene) in the presence of alkanethiol. The hybrid magnetic–plasmonic nanoparticles based on iron core and gold shell are being considered as potential theranostic agents. In this critical review, in addition to future works, we have summarized recent developments for synthesis and surface modification of mGNP with their applications in modern biomedical science such as drug and gene delivery, bioimaging, biosensing, and neuro-regeneration, neuro-degenerative and arthritic disorders. I shall discuss the techniques and biological applications of mGNP majorly based on my own research.