Magnetic ferrogels based on crosslinked xanthan and iron oxide nanoparticles: preparation and physico-chemical characterization

This work aimed to develop new ferromagnetic hydrogels based on xanthan gum (XG) and its crosslinked derivative (CXG). The CXG derivative was obtained by chemical reticulation of XG using epichlorohydrin. The formulated XG-Fe3O4 and CXG-Fe3O4 hydrogels were then characterized in terms of structure, morphology, thermal, and rheological properties. The crosslinking of native XG was demonstrated by FTIR and thermal testings. It was noted that the swelling kinetics were affected by crosslinking and an increase in the swelling capacity was observed for the ferromagnetic hydrogels. Morphological images showed a better matrix consistency and improved stability. Additionally, the thermogravimetric analysis indicated a difference in weight loss of the hydrogels in the presence and absence of nanoparticles. The rheological characteristics indicated that both crosslinking and inclusion of Fe3O4 led to the formation of a more rigid structure, which was expressed by the high viscosity values. These novel magnetic hydrogels are interesting candidates for targeted drug delivery as intelligent biopolymeric materials.