Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) has been the star molecular diagnostic and forensic technique. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken RT-PCR, a variant of PCR technology secluded in molecular biology laboratories to every nook and corner of the world. But this technique has its own limitations, and its efficacy and sensitivity are influenced by numerous components.
Super paramagnetic Iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) too have been the luminaries in the field of therapeutics and diagnostics. Their physiological compatibility however, in absence of a functionalizing or a capping agent has been challenging due to their sparse water solubility.
Equally they have been undermined in comparison to gold and silver nanoparticles in their ability to boost the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). It was thus a challenge worth a take, not only to modulate the existing process of synthesis of SPIONs to make their use physiologically compatible, but also to establish them far superior to the other transition metal nanoparticles in boosting the fundamental diagnostic reaction in molecular biology i.e. the PCR.
Super paramagnetic Iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) too have been the luminaries in the field of therapeutics and diagnostics. Their physiological compatibility however, in absence of a functionalizing or a capping agent has been challenging due to their sparse water solubility.
Equally they have been undermined in comparison to gold and silver nanoparticles in their ability to boost the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). It was thus a challenge worth a take, not only to modulate the existing process of synthesis of SPIONs to make their use physiologically compatible, but also to establish them far superior to the other transition metal nanoparticles in boosting the fundamental diagnostic reaction in molecular biology i.e. the PCR.
