Human serum albumin as an effective coating for hydrophobic photosensitizes immobilization on magnetic nanoparticles

Abstract Magnetic nanoparticles are widely used in various fields of biomedicine. They can combine both therapy and diagnostics modalities thus opening many opportunities for their application. In our work, we have evaluated their ability to work as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imagining and drug delivery systems for photosensitizers. We have shown that after formation of human serum albumin retains ability to bind photosensitizers and they do not lose their optical properties. To obtain stable water solution suitable for long term storage we have additionally modified human serum albumin with polyethylene glycol. It was shown that such modification allows to increase overall stability over time.