Synthesis of carboxymethyl tragacanth coated Fe3O4@SiO2 core–shell magnetic nanoparticles as a drug delivery system

In this study, chemically modified iron oxide nanoparticles with super paramagnetic behavior and biodegradable properties were prepared through the reaction of a polymeric layer with surface hydroxyl functional groups of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs).1 For this purpose firstly, Fe3O4@SiO2 as a core magnetic nanoparticles were prepared by chemical coprecipitation of FeCl3.6H2O and FeCl2.4H2O in alkaline solution followed by silylation using triethoxy silane.2 The MNPs was grafted with hexamethylene diisocyanate. Then, carboxymethyl tragacanth which was modified with the hexamethylenediamine (mCMT) as a shell was coated and reacted simultaneously on MNP-grafted hexamethylene diisocyanate to form a polymeric core–shell (MNP/mCMT). The structural, morphological, thermal, and magnetic properties of the synthesized magnetite nanocomposite were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, thermal gravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometer, and scanning electron microscopy.3 Methotrexate (MTX) as a model anticancer drug was used. The in vitro release of MTX from the MNP/mCMT was investigated and indicated that the release speed of the MTX could be well controlled. Release profiles of the MTX and its loading capacity were determined by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy absorption measurement at λmax 307 nm.4 The obtained results suggest that the prepared magnetite nanocomposite would be beneficial as a targeted anti-tumor drug carrier for pharmaceutical applications.

Keywords:

Magnetic nanoparticles , Carboxymethyl Tragacanth , Methotrexate , drug delivery system , Core–shell.