Title : Effect of silica coating on the physicochemical properties of magnetite nanoparticles: Drug loading and release study
Abstract:
For biomedical applications, magnetic nanoparticles need to be coated with materials which should be inert, biocompatible and nontoxic to the body. The coated magnetite could be a better applicant for drug delivery, cancer treatment and MRI. In present study, magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) have been prepared by co-precipitation route whereas silica coated magnetite (SMNPs) of various thicknesses were prepared by oil in water (o/w) microemulsion technique. The concentration of coating material was varied 2, 5 and 10 times (w/w) with respect to MNPs. Silica as a coating material was selected due to its biocompatibility and non-toxic nature. The size and shape of the MNPs and SMNPs of various thicknesses was analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-rays (EDX) spectroscopy, transmittance electron microscopy (TEM), X-rays diffraction (XRD) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The surface functional groups were detected by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, whereas, magnetic properties were tailored by using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Finally the MNPs and SMNPs of various thicknesses were loaded with anticancer drug methotrexate (MTX) and their release study was monitored by dialysis method. The MNPs show rapid release of drug as compared to SMNPs where a sustained drug release was detected. However, 2X SMNPs displayed more sustained release of MTX among the others coated systems.
Audience take away:
• To prepare the silica coated magnetite by oil in water microemulsion technique
• The coated system after drug loading and sustained drug release could be effective for biomedical applications.
