Cell Labeling and Targeting with Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

The overall goal of this procedure is to synthesize super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and to use those particles to label cells for magnetic targeting and sorting applications. This is accomplished by first synthesizing 10 nanometer diameter magnetite nanoparticles. The second step is to coat the magnetite nanoparticles with a 50 nanometer thick shell of polylactic co glycolic acid or PLGA.

Next, the magnetic nanoparticles are washed and freeze dried. The final step is labeling cells with a magnetic nanoparticles for cell targeting and sorting applications. Ultimately, fluorescent microscopy is used to show targeting of magnetic nanoparticle labeled cells within magnetic fields.