Preparation and characterization of magnetic ferrite-chitosan nanoparticles delivery for DOX

We propose a novel and simple method prepare chitosan (CS) modified magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for delivering doxorubicin (DOX), and Mn0.6Zn0.4Gd0.04Fe1.96O4 was chosen as the MNPs. Extensive efforts have been made to create a DOX loaded MNPs/CS composite using acetic acid. The MNPs/CS/DOX nanocomposites analyzed using by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), firstly. Then the factors such as the weight ratios between CS and MNPs, acetic acid concentration, and DOX concentration were studied for their influence on the loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency of MNPs/CS. Experiment results revealed that DOX was loaded on the MNPs/CS composite successfully. The DOX ratio loaded on MNPs/CS increased with increasing CS and acetic acid concentration. In vitro release tests demonstrated that the MNPs/CS/DOX released quickly in the initial 48 h, and the remaining drug release was more gradual and continuing for 108 h in three solutions (saline, PBS and pH 5.75 solution). Interestingly, 40 % of the release rate of DOX was maintained up to 168 h in PBS solution at 43celcius. These results suggest that MNPs/CS/DOX can sustain release over a much longer period, indicating its potential application in magnetic drug carriers.