Dextran stabilized iron oxide nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization and in vitro studies

Iron oxide nanoparticles are one of the most important genres of nanoparticles with promise. Dextran, a stable biocompatible coating agent was employed in the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles in the presence of urea. The morphology of nanoparticles was confirmed by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. These particles were also assessed for cytotoxicity, cellular uptake and cell adhesion in vitro using murine fibroblast cell line. The synthesized nanoparticles were superparamagnetic, possessed spherical shape with narrow size distribution and were found to be biocompatible and non-toxic. This study serves as a background for using DIONPs in further in vitro and in vivo studies with a long term goal of using it in biological applications. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.