How are Targeting Ligands Attached to Nanoparticles?
The process of attaching ligands to nanoparticles is known as functionalization. Several techniques can be employed for this purpose:
1. Covalent Bonding: This involves forming strong, stable bonds between the ligand and the nanoparticle surface, often through chemical reactions. 2. Non-Covalent Interactions: These include electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic interactions, and hydrogen bonding, which are generally easier to achieve but may be less stable. 3. Bioconjugation: This method uses biological molecules, such as streptavidin-biotin pairs, to attach ligands to nanoparticles.
