Utilization of Chemically Synthesized Super Paramagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Drug Delivery, Imaging and Heavy Metal Removal

Abstract

In this study, Super Paramagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) were produced by chemical co-precipitation method. The produced SPIONs were exploited for the production of core–shell SPIONs for drug delivery against bacteria and cancer cells, while the naked SPIONs were used as contrasting agent in X-ray imaging and also for heavy metal removal. Core–shell SPIONs were prepared by a series of steps comprising the synthesis by chemical co-precipitation method, functionalized with a surfactant, followed by coating with drug—itraconazole and encapsulation with biopolymer (either with Polyhydroxybutyrate or polysaccharide derived from Terminalia catappa). Further characterization of these core–shell SPIONs was done with various microscopic and spectroscopic analyses. Drug encapsulation and release efficiency were studied. In-vitro drug release efficiency was assessed by antibacterial activity and anticancer activity. Further, the ability of the SPIONs as contrasting agent in X-ray imaging and heavy metal removal was also assessed.