Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles-loaded thermoresponsive poly(N-vinylcaprolactam)-g-galactosylated chitosan microparticles: investigation of physicochemical, morphological and magnetic properties

Abstract

A novel thermoresponsive magnetic hydrogel microparticle system was obtained by magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) combined with poly(N-vinylcaprolactam)-g-galactosylated chitosan (GC) (PNVCL-g-GC) hybrid hydrogel. Fe3O4@PNVCL-g-GC microparticles (MPs) were synthesized by the suspension crosslinking method and the Fe3O4 MNPs were successfully encapsulated in the hybrid hydrogel with good magnetism. Fe3O4@PNVCL-g-GC MPs were characterized by ATR-FTIR, LCST, SEM-EDAX, particle size, zeta potential, TGA and VSM analyses. The size distribution of the spherical Fe3O4@PNVCL-g-GC MPs at room temperature was in the range of 390-530 nm, while it was measured as ∼220–340 nm above the LCST. The cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility of the Fe3O4@PNVCL-g-GC MPs were confirmed by in vitro ISO analyses. In conclusion, biocompatible, temperature- and magnetic-responsive small-size Fe3O4@PNVCL-g-GC MPs with enhanced mechanical stability were developed which could have the potential for a variety of biomedical applications such as controlled release systems, in situ bioactive agents carrier, and anti-cancer therapy in the future.