Bio-Functionalized Nanoparticles – A Boon for Nano-drug Therapy

Bio-functionalization of nanoparticles has received enormous attention due to reduced toxicity as well as stability in colloidal state which prevents the nanoparticles from aggregation [1,2]. The biomolecules being used for functionalization vary from simple to complex macromolecules [3]. Starch, a natural polymer widely used in many industries as raw material was chosen for synthesis of silver nanoparticles as well as for functionalization. The one-pot synthesis was an easy procedure for both synthesis and functionalization [4]. The aldehyde group of starch serves as the functional group which attaches to the synthesized nanoparticles, thereby preventing aggregation. This stabilizes the nanoparticles, and no aggregation was visible for more than three months. A study was done to check the function and structure of starch using hydrolysis. The results were quite interesting in that the structure had no major deformities while still maintaining functionality [5].