Development of molecularly imprinted magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for doxorubicin drug delivery

Abstract

In this study, we prepare a biocompatible and magnetic material coated with dopamine (Fe3O4/SiO2@DA) for drug delivery of doxorubicin. Doxorubicin is a commercially available drug for the treatment of several types of cancers such as metastatic breast carcinoma, blood, lungs, ovarian carcinoma, and sarcoma. Magnetic nanoparticles are synthesized by co-precipitation method and coated with dopamine. Characterization of materials is carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Magnetic properties of the particles are evaluated by magnetic moment measurements. Later, this material is applied to the targeted delivery of doxorubicin. Several experimental parameters such as loading time, release time, loading temperature, release temperature, desorption pH, amount of nanomaterial, salt concentration, and effect of solvent are optimized. Loading of a drug is maximum in basic pH while acidic pH (3.3) works best for the desorption process. With increasing the amount of material, loading of drug increase. Moreover, salt (NaCl) concentration does not affect the loading process. Loading of a drug is maximum at a lower temperature (room temperature) while the release is more efficient at a higher temperature (40–45 °C). This material showed superior efficiency (drug loading, drug release, and time) as compared to previously reported similar materials. These results indicate that Fe3O4/SiO2@DA has excellent potential to carry the drug and deliver to cancerous cells which have acidic pH and higher temperature as compared to normal healthy cells.