The influence of elastin-coated 520-nm- and 20-nm-diameter nanoparticles on human fibroblasts in vitro

Magnetic nanoparticles have been used for biomedical purposes for several years. In recent years, nanotechnology has developed to a stage that makes it possible to engineer particles to provide opportunities for the site-specific delivery of drugs. To this end, a variety of iron oxide particles have been synthesized. The size and surface of the particles are crucial factors in the application of the particles. Therefore, this study involves the use of two types of magnetic nanoparticles derivatized with elastin and synthesized with differing diameters, compared with identical underivatized plain particles. This influence in vitro was assessed using human dermal fibroblasts and various techniques to observe cell-particle interaction, including light and fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicate that derivatized particles induce alterations in cell behavior and morphology distinct from the plain particles, suggesting that cell response can be directed via specifically engineered particle surfaces. However, little difference was observed between the different diameters.