Double-stranded RNA polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid immobilized onto γ-Fe₃O₃ nanoparticles by using a multifunctional polymeric linker

Double stranded RNA polyinosinic-polycytidlylic acid (poly(IC)) immobilized onto y-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles with the use of a multifunctional polymer linker is analyzed. Among the most potent dsRNAs is the synthetic dsRNA poly(IC), which consists of a pair of strands of polyinosinic and polycytidylic acids. Poly(IC) shows antitumor and anti- viral activity and recently entered into phase II clinical trials for patients with malignant gliomas. The immobilization of biomolecules such as poly(IC) onto insoluble supports or nanoparticles is an important tool for the fabrication of functional materials or devices. Ferrimagnetic y-Fe ₂O₃ nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation of ferrous and ferric ions in sodium hydroxide solution. The efficiency and stability of binding between the amine-functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles and poly(IC) was studied by electrophoresis.