Carboxymethyl Cellulose Nanocomposite Research Articles

Multifunctional lanthanum oxide-doped carboxymethyl cellulose nanocomposites: A promising approach for antimicrobial and targeted anticancer applications

This study presents the synthesis and characterization of lanthanum oxide (La₂O₃)-doped carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) nanocomposites via a solution casting method, designed to offer an eco-friendly, multifunctional material with significant potential in biomedical applications. Structural analysis using FTIR, XRD, and EDX confirmed successful La₂O₃ integration, with FTIR spectra indicating a distinctive LaO stretching peak at 628.2 cm−1, XRD patterns revealing enhanced crystallinity with notable peaks at 16.6°, 27.6°, and 49.8°, and EDX showing a uniform lanthanum distribution with a 10.41 mass% concentration. These enhancements in structural stability and crystalline properties underscore the composite's functional robustness. Biological assessments revealed the composite's substantial antimicrobial efficacy, demonstrating inhibition zones up to 31 mm against pathogenic strains such as E. coli, S. aureus, E. faecalis, K. pneumoniae, and C. albicans at a 15 wt% La₂O₃ concentration—surpassing conventional antimicrobial agents. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests supported these findings, showing MIC values as low as 7.82 μg/mL, further validating the composite's heightened antimicrobial potency compared to pure CMC. In vitro cytotoxicity assays indicated selective anticancer effects of the La₂O₃/CMC nanocomposites, with IC₅₀ values of 327.7 μg/mL and 189.8 μg/mL against PC-3 prostate and A549 lung cancer cells, respectively. Remarkably, the composite showed minimal impact on normal lung fibroblasts (Wi-38), with an IC₅₀ value of 956.8 μg/mL, emphasizing its selectivity towards cancer cells. Collectively, these results highlight the La₂O₃/CMC composite as a biocompatible and multifunctional material suitable for both antimicrobial and targeted anticancer applications, aligning with the growing demand for safe, effective biomedical solutions.

Deep insight into physical properties of carboxymethyl cellulose-barium oxide nanocomposites

Nanocomposites, blending the unique properties of inorganic nanoparticles with polymers, are gaining momentum in various industries. This study delves into the synthesis and characterization of barium oxide (BaO)-doped carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) nanocomposites, focusing on their structural, optical, electrical, and dielectric properties. Using an in-situ polymerization method, CMC films were doped with 5 % and 10 % BaO nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the doped samples exhibited enhanced crystallinity compared to pure CMC, with crystallinity percentages measured at 37.95 % and 28.86 % for 5 % and 10 % BaO, respectively, indicating the successful incorporation of BaO. Scanning electron microscopy illustrated the distribution of BaO nanoparticles, showing spherical agglomerations on the film surface. SEM analysis reveals emergence of spherical agglomerations and bright spots on nanocomposite film surface upon BaO introduction, indicating BaO nanoparticles presence. Further, the BaO nanoparticles act as catalytic and nucleating agents, influencing crystalline structure nucleation and growth, potentially enhancing film homogeneity and structural integrity. In addition, UV–visible spectroscopy elucidated the optical properties, indicating a shift in the bandgap from indirect to direct with BaO addition. The bandgap values decrease upon the addition of BaO, indicating a transition from an amorphous to a nanocrystalline structure, with respective reduction percentages of 22.73 % and 10.71 % for the 5%BaO/CMC and 10 %BaO/CMC samples compared to CMC. Electrical conductivity measurements showed enhanced conductivity in 10 % BaO/CMC due to improved charge carrier mobility, supported by dielectric studies demonstrating increased dielectric. The introduction of 5 % and 10 % BaO resulted in reductions of approximately 62.06 % and 65.77 %, respectively, compared to the pure CMC sample. This decrease in dielectric loss indicates an enhancement in the electrical properties of the nanocomposites. This comprehensive investigation could give further insights into the different properties of BaO-doped CMC nanocomposites, offering insights into their potential applications in various fields such as electronics, energy storage, and optoelectronics.

Influence of rice straw based nanocellulose loading in sodium carboxymethyl cellulose

The goal of this research is to produce renewable and biodegradable polymers based nanocomposite films. In this study, mixture of cellulose nanocrystals and cellulose nanofibers, collectively termed as nanocellulose was extracted from agricultural waste (rice straws). Nanocellulose (NC) filled sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) films were prepared via spin coating method. Various amount of NC (0, 20, 40 wt%) were added to CMC to prepare NC filled CMC nanocomposite film. Structural, chemical, morphological and thermal properties were studied through XRD, FTIR, SEM and TGA. It was found that CMC filled NC films have higher crysatllinality along UV blocking effect with 73 % visible light transmittance. Strong H-bonding between OH-group of NC and –COOH group of CMC resulted into stable and flexible nanocomposite film. Furthermore, thermal studies confirmed that strong hydrogen bonding within CMC and NC for 40 % NC filled CMC. It resulted for phase transition of nanocomposite film through fusion at higher temperature and high mass residue as compared to bare CMC and NC.

Synthesis of novel antioxidant carboxymethylcellulose nanocomposites for Cu–Ni–Mo-based steel foams

Synthesis of novel antioxidant carboxymethylcellulose nanocomposites for Cu–Ni–Mo-based steel foams

Synthesis and Characterization of Casein/ Carboxymethyl Cellulose Nanocomposite for Enhanced Antibacterial Activity

In the present work, CMC (Carboxymethyl cellulose) and CAN(Casein) blend nanocomposite hybrid film containing green synthesized Gold nanoparticles were Synthesised. The aqueous bark extract of SyziguimCumini (Java Plum) was used in this study as a stabilizing and reducing agent for synthesizing Au nanoparticles. The efficient incorporation of Au nanoparticles in the polymer matrix has been confirmed by IR and UV–Visible spectroscopy. The morphology of the sample has been studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy. The biological studies of the above nanocomposite were evaluated in vitro by using surface inoculation method. The result indicate that antibacterial activity of CAN/CMC blend has been enhanced by the incorporation of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix and it can be used for the application of food packaging..

Encapsulation of Trichoderma harzianum with nanocellulose/carboxymethyl cellulose nanocomposite

This study proposes the use of green matrices of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and a nanocomposite of CNC with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) for efficiently encapsulating the plant biocontrol agent Trichoderma harzianum. Beads containing spores of the microorganism were produced by dripping dispersions of the polymers into a CaCl2 coagulation bath, resulting in the crosslinking of CNC chains by Ca2+ ions. SEM micrographs evidenced the T. harzianum spores in the encapsulation matrices. X-ray microtomography confirmed the random distribution of the microorganism within the polymeric matrix and the presence of internal pores in the CNC:CMC:spores beads. Encapsulation in the CNC:CMC nanocomposite favored growth of the fungus after 10 days of storage at room temperature, which could be attributed to the presence of internal pores and to the extra carbon source provided by the CMC. The results indicated that CNC:CMC nanocomposites are promising materials for protecting and delivering microbial inoculants for agricultural applications.

Synthesis and Performance Evaluation of Carboxymethyl Cellulose Nanocomposite Hydrogel Adsorbent Grafted with Acrylic Acid and Itaconic Acid Copolymer Containing Carbon Black Nanoparticles for Fuchsin Removal

Synthesis and Performance Evaluation of Carboxymethyl Cellulose Nanocomposite Hydrogel Adsorbent Grafted with Acrylic Acid and Itaconic Acid Copolymer Containing Carbon Black Nanoparticles for Fuchsin Removal

The picric acid removal from aqueous solutions by multi‐walled carbon nanotubes/EDTA/carboxymethylcellulose nanocomposite: Central composite design optimization, kinetic, and isotherm studies

AbstractThe removal of hazardous picric acid is of great importance to making healthy and drinkable water. In this research, a nanocomposite (MWCNT‐EDTA‐CMC) based on carboxylated multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT‐COOH) modified by carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and ethylenediamintetraacetic acid (EDTA) was prepared for adsorption and removal of picric acid from aqueous solutions. MWCNT‐EDTA‐CMC was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Central composite design (CCD) was used to study the influence of pH, adsorbent dosage, and initial picric acid concentrations on the removal percentage of picric acid. At optimum conditions (pH 3.0, MWCNT‐EDTA‐CMC dosage 0.050 g, picric acid concentration 30 mg L−1), high removal efficiency (97.67%) was obtained for picric acid which was reasonably well predicted by the model. The adsorption process was demonstrated by the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic and Freundlich isotherm models for both adsorbents. In addition, the consumed MWCNT‐EDTA‐CMC could be reused up to 3th cycle of regeneration.

Synthesis and Application of Covalently Grafted Magnetic Graphene Oxide Carboxymethyl Cellulose Nanocomposite for the Removal of Atrazine From an Aqueous Phase

The nanocomposite of magnetic graphene oxide cross-linked with carboxymethyl cellulose (GO-CMC-Fe) was synthesized using a facile, economical, and environment friendly approach. The highly stable sponge-like porous structure and chemical functionalities of the GO-CMC-Fe nanocomposite were demonstrated using UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-Ray (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The adsorption properties of the GO-CMC-Fe together with GO, GO-CMC, and GO-Fe in terms of atrazine removal were examined in batch mode as a function of various removal parameters. The equilibrium statistics of the adsorption process were defined by the Langmuir isotherm model with maximum removal capacities of 126, 142, 158, and 194 mg/g for GO, GO-Fe, GO-CMC, and GO-CMC-Fe, respectively. The rapid adsorption process followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model due to greater R 2 values (>0.997) than the pseudo-first-order kinetic model and considered the chemisorption adsorption process and rate limiting step. On the other hand, spontaneity, endothermic nature, and increased randomness during the adsorption process were confirmed by the negative values of Gibbs free energy and positive values of enthalpy and entropy, respectively. The cost for the immobilization of atrazine from aqueous solution would range between $20–$50 per million liters, which is much more cost-effective than earlier reported techniques. In conclusion, the GO-CMC-Fe nanocomposite showed great potential to remove atrazine from aqueous solution to manage wastewater pollution.

Fe3O4-CMC nanocomposite performance evaluation as rheology modifier and fluid loss control characteristic additives in water-based drilling fluid

In drilling operations, there has been a considerable amount of attention to the drilling fluid formulation and characteristics. In recent years, the utilization of nanocomposite as an additive exhibited a promising improvement in the water-based drilling fluid rheological properties. The conventional additives have a lot of deficiencies such as being expensive, complicated synthesis methods, and not having desirable rheology properties. To eliminate the deficiencies, an investigation on the efficacy of Fe 3 O 4 - carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) nanocomposite on the rheological and filtration characteristics as an additive in the water-based drilling fluid are carried out in this study. The nanocomposite was synthesized by the co-precipitation method and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive x-ray was employed for characterization. Then, the nanocomposite with different ratio was utilized as an additive to drilling fluid and the rheological and filtration properties of fluid was measured for both deionized water and salty water. The results show that by adding 57% of 1:3 Fe 3 O 4 -CMC nanocomposite ratio to basic drilling fluid, in addition to considerable improvement in the viscosity, the filtration volume and cake thickness decreased noticeably. This formulation depicts non-Newtonian rheological behavior which could be illustrated properly by Herschel–Bulkley rheological model. Thus, exploitation of Fe 3 O 4 -CMC nanocomposite as an additive in water-based drilling fluid for fluid loss control would have advantageous due to its distinctive properties like enhanced resistance to water penetration and enhanced viscosity in both deionized water and salty water. In addition, the Fe 3 O 4 -CMC nanocomposite has superior properties such as uncomplicated synthesis method and being financially available in comparison to conventional additives. • Fe 3 O 4 -CMC Nanocomposite was synthesized by co-precipitation method. • Fe 3 O 4 -CMC Nanocomposite significantly decreased fluid loss and filter cake thickness of water-based drilling fluid. • Fe 3 O 4 -CMC Nanocomposite considerably enhanced the viscosity of water-based drilling fluid. • Fe 3 O 4 -CMC Nanocomposite caused a uniformed filter cake. • Fe 3 O 4 -CMC Nanocomposite exhibited better properties than pure CMC, while less CMC proportion was utilized.

Self-assembled reduced graphene oxide/polyaniline/sodium carboxymethyl cellulose nanocomposite for voltammetric recognition of tryptophan enantiomers

A nanocomposite was synthesized from reduced graphene oxide (rGO), polyaniline (PANI), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as the initial materials by in situ polymerization. The substrate rGO provides many active sites for in situ polymerization of aniline and self-assembly of CMC. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, Raman, Infrared Spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies were used to characterize the morphology, electronic structure, and composition of different materials. The nanocomposite was used to modify a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to obtain a sensor for chiral electrochemical recognition of tryptophan enantiomers. Their electrochemical properties and recognition abilities were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry, and the final consequence demonstrated that the modified GCE could well distinguish l-tryptophan and d-tryptophan. The enantiomeric selectivity is 2.26. The GCE was successfully used for the recognition of d-tryptophan and l-tryptophan in spiked serum and urine samples.

Polymeric Nanocomposite-Based Herbicide of Carboxymethyl Cellulose Coated-Zinc/Aluminium Layered Double Hydroxide-Quinclorac: A Controlled Release Purpose for Agrochemicals

In this work, the use of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is highlighted in enhancing the controlled release behaviour of zinc/aluminium layered double hydroxide-quinclorac (Zn/Al-LDH-QC). The Zn/Al-LDH-QC-CMC nanocomposite were characterised using powder x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric and derivative thermogravimetric analysis and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The release study was carried out in an aqueous solution of Na3PO4, Na2SO4 and NaCl, so as to mimic the environmental condition where the QC is frequently used. The Zn/Al-LDH-QC-CMC nanocomposites showed better performance in releasing QC, with prolonged release time ranging from 163–6083 min, compared to 99–2639 min for the uncoated nanocomposites. The hygroscopic nature of the CMC play a critical role in enhancing the release behaviour of the Zn/Al-LDH-QC-CMC. The kinetic study shows that the Zn/Al-LDH-QC-CMC follows the pseudo-second order kinetic model; hence the release mechanism occurred via dissolution of the CMC matrix and the ion exchange process. These results, therefore, indicate the potential of Zn/Al-LDH-QC-CMC in dealing with the downside effect of the excessive usage of herbicide in paddy cultivation.

Carboxymethyl cellulose nanocomposite beads as super-efficient catalyst for the reduction of organic and inorganic pollutants

Carboxymethyl cellulose/copper oxide-nickel oxide (CMC/CuO-NiO) nanocomposite beads were prepared by facile, simple and environmentally friendly method. Initially, CuO-NiO was prepared and applied for the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). The results showed that CuO-NiO demonstrate high catalytic activity toward the reduction of 4-NP to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) with a rate constant of 2.97 × 10−2 s−1. Further, CuO-NiO were well-dispersed in the polymeric matrix of carboxymethyl cellulose to prepare CMC/CuO-NiO beads. CMC/CuO-NiO nanocomposite beads were also applied to catalyze the reduction of potassium ferrocyanide (K3Fe (CN)6), 4-NP, Congo red (CR) and Eosin yellow (EY) in the presence of sodium borohydride. Experimental data indicated that CMC/CuO-NiO nanocomposite has higher catalytic activity and high rate constant compared to CuO-NiO. The rate constant found to be 6.88 × 10−2, 6.27 × 10−2, 1.89 × 10−2 and 2.43 × 10−2 for K3Fe(CN)6, 4-NP, CR and EY, respectively, using 5 mg CMC/CuO-NiO beads. FE-SEM, EDX, FTER, XRD and XPS were used to characterize the nanocomposites. CMC/CuO-NiO beads catalytically reduced up to 95–99% of K3Fe(CN)6, 4-NP, CR and EY within 40, 60, 120 and 120 s. CMC/CuO-NiO beads were found more selective for the reduction of 4-NP. The catalytic reduction performance of CMC/CuO-NiO beads was optimized by studying the influence of different parameters on the catalytic reduction of 4-NP. Hence, the effective and super catalytic performance toward the reduction of different organic and inorganic pollutants makes CMC/CuO-NiO beads a smart material and suitable for numerous scientific and industrial applications and may be used as an alternative to high-cost commercial catalysts.

EDTA-functionalized magnetic chitosan oligosaccharide and carboxymethyl cellulose nanocomposite: Synthesis, characterization, and Pb(II) adsorption performance

A novel ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-functionalized magnetic chitosan oligosaccharide and carboxymethyl cellulose (Fe3O4@CMCCOS-EDTA) nanocomposite adsorbent was successfully fabricated for Pb(II) adsorption. The adsorbent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to confirm successful EDTA modification and Pb(II) adsorption. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, and thermogravimetric analysis were used to study the morphology and properties of magnetic particles. EDTA modification considerably improved the capacity of the adsorbent. The batch adsorption experiment results indicated that the pseudo-second-order (PSO) model and the Langmuir isotherm model reliably described the adsorption behavior. The maximum adsorption capacity (qm) for monolayer chemical adsorption was calculated to be 432.34 mg/g at the pH of 5 and temperature of 308 K. Notably, Fe3O4@CMCCOS-EDTA exhibited a high Pb(II) removal rate of ~100% using an initial metal ion solution of 100 mg/L and 200 mg/L.

Graphene Oxide Carboxymethylcellulose Nanocomposite for Dressing Materials.

Sore, infected wounds are a major clinical issue, and there is thus an urgent need for novel biomaterials as multifunctional constituents for dressings. A set of biocomposites was prepared by solvent casting using different concentrations of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and exfoliated graphene oxide (Exf-GO) as a filler. Exf-GO was first obtained by the strong oxidation and exfoliation of graphite. The structural, morphological and mechanical properties of the composites (CMCx/Exf-GO) were evaluated, and the obtained composites were homogenous, transparent and brownish in color. The results confirmed that Exf-GO may be homogeneously dispersed in CMC. It was found that the composite has an inhibitory activity against the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, but not against Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa. At the same time, it does not exhibit any cytotoxic effect on normal fibroblasts.

Enhanced mechanical properties and UV shield of carboxymethyl cellulose films with polydopamine-modified natural fibre-like palygorskite

Palygorskite, a natural 1D nanofibre, has been employed as an effective reinforce filler of natural hydrophilic polymer-based nanocomposites because of its high mechanical strength, large specific surface area and high aspect ratio. However, the hydrophilic hydroxyl groups only exist at the edge of the silicate layer of palygorskite nanofibres and in small amounts. Therefore, the reinforcement efficiency for the hydrophilic polymer of palygorskite is limited. To overcome this shortcoming, we constructed a highly hydrophilic polydopamine with catechol groups on the palygorskite nanofibre surface by a facile biomimetic method. Hydrophilic polymer carboxymethyl cellulose nanocomposites incorporated with polydopamine-coated palygorskite were fabricated by solution casting. Results show that the interfacial polydopamine layers not only facilitate the dispersion of palygorskite nanofibres in the carboxymethyl cellulose matrix but also enhance the stress transfer from the carboxymethyl cellulose matrix to the filler, improving the tensile strength and water resistance of the nanocomposites. However, several palygorskite crystals aggregate to form small bundles for the palygorskite with a high mass ratio of dopamine/palygorskite during the modification process. This phenomenon decreases the contact areas between the filler and the carboxymethyl cellulose matrix, thereby decreasing the properties of the nanocomposites. In addition, UV–vis transmittance spectra show that the nanocomposite films reinforced with polydopamine-modified palygorskite can block ultraviolet light below 300 nm, thereby retaining its relatively high transparency in the visible spectrum.

Green preparation and characterization of graphene oxide/carbon nanotubes-loaded carboxymethyl cellulose nanocomposites

In this study, a homogeneous and stable dispersion of graphene oxide (GO)/carbon nanotube (CNT) complexes (GCCs) was obtained by dispersing CNTs in an aqueous solution using GO in the absence of dispersing agents. Furthermore, carboxymethyl cellulose/GCC (CMC/GCC) nanocomposite films were prepared by a simple solution mixing-evaporation method. The dispersibility of the GCCs with different CNT contents was investigated by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The morphological and crystalline structures of the samples were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were conducted to identify the chemical composition of GO, CNTs, and GCCs. These results revealed that CNTs could be stably dispersed in water using GO. In addition, when CMC/GCC nanocomposite films were prepared by mixing CMC and GCCs, CNTs were uniformly dispersed in the CMC matrix. The tensile behavior was investigated using a universal testing machine. The tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the CMC/GCC nanocomposite films were significantly improved by up to about 121% and 122%, respectively, compared to those of pure CMC because of uniform and strong π-π interfacial interactions between CNTs and CMC polymer.

Influence of Nanocomposite Scaffolds Using Freeze-drying Technique on Hepg2

Novel approaches are devoted towards creating 3D scaffolds that allow good permeability and diffusion. Appropriate synthetic biodegradable materials for this purpose are biopolymer- bioceramic nanocomposites. They have good tissue compatibility and safety profiles seem essential for their successful utilization in medical applications. The 3D dicalcium phosphate/dextran/ sodium carboxymethyl cellulose nanocomposites are prepared by freeze-drying method. In the present work, the physico-chemical properties of scaffolds are evaluated by XRD and FTIR. The interior morphology as well as porous structure are evaluated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The porosity of scaffolds examined by mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). In addition to compressive stress parameter is also determined by Instron Industrial Product,(Model 3345;Norwood, MA, USA).The respective nanocomposite scaffolds are tested for in vitro Hepg2 cancer cytotoxicity. The nanocomposite scaffolds exhibit good biocompatibility and exerts no toxic effect on Hepg2 liver cancer cell. Therefore, the prepared porous system of nanocomposite scaffolds can be considered as promising technique for tissue engineering.

Physical and mechanical properties of hybrid montmorillonite/zinc oxide reinforced carboxymethyl cellulose nanocomposites

In this research, a novel carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based nanocomposite films containing sodium montmorillonite (MMT) (5%wt) and zinc oxide (ZnO) (1, 2, 3 and 4%wt) nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated via casting method. The results revealed that addition of NPs decreased water vapor permeability of the films by about 53%, while moisture content, density and glass transition temperature increased. The nanomaterials enhanced resistance of the nanocomposites against tensile stress at the expense of elongation at break. Nano-ZnO was very effective than nanoclay in UV–light blocking (99% vs. 60%) associated with sacrificing the films transparency. Formation of hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl groups of CMC and MMT was evidenced by FTIR spectroscopy. According to the XRD analysis, clay nanolayers formed an exfoliated structure in the nanocomposites, whereas ZnO NPs raised crystallinity. SEM micrographs showed well-dispersed MMT and ZnO NPs through the films surface. Antibacterial test showed that vulnerability of Gram-positive S. aureus toward ZnO NPs was more than that of Gram-negative E. Coli. In conclusion, simultaneous incorporation of MMT and ZnO NPs improved the functional characteristics of CMC film and extended the potential for food packaging applications.

The one-step synthesis of polymer-based magnetic γ-Fe2O3/carboxymethyl cellulose nanocomposites

A novel one-step procedure is described for synthesizing water soluble biocompatible nanocomposites from maghemite nanoparticles and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The procedure allows the magneto-sensitive nanocomposites with a controlled content of the inorganic phase. The maghemite formation has been proved by X-ray diffraction analysis and Mossbauer spectroscopy. An average diameter of the maghemite nanoparticles is equal to 11nm according to transmission electron microscopy. As shown by FTIR spectroscopy, the nanoparticles bind to the polymer matrix via electrostatic and coordination interactions. The diameter of the nanocomposites in dilute aqueous solutions vary from 50nm at the iron content of 2–4.3wt.% to 140nm at the iron content of 5.2–8.6wt.%. The study of specific magnetization of the nanocomposites vs. applied magnetic field indicates their ferromagnetic properties. The saturation magnetization and coercive force of the sample with the maximum maghemite content (8.6wt.%) are 11.5emu/g and 30.08Oe, respectively. The nanocomposite motion has been shown to be controlled by an external magnetic field. The biocompartible maghemite-CMC nanocomposites seem to be promising for encapsulation and delivery of biologically active compounds.