Magnetic Response Properties Research Articles

Design, Construction and Characterization of Intelligence Polymer Coated Core–Shell Nanocarrier for Curcumin Drug Encapsulation and Delivery in Lung Cancer Therapy Purposes

Among the considerable anticancer agents, curcumin (CU) drug has been confirmed to be very extraordinary towards any type of cancer cells. Chitosan coated core–shell nanocarrier was prepared and used as a nano-carrier for encapsulation of CU drug (Fe@Au-CU-CS-FA NP’s) through a reverse micro-emulsion method. Each shape and size and polydispersity (PDI) properties in addition to the contents of Fe@Au core–shell and Fe@Au-CU-CS-FA NP’s were studied utilizing zeta potential particles analyzer, Atomic Force Microscope, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-rays spectroscopy, and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy. On the other hand, those nanosystems characterized by UV–Visible spectrophotometer. Fe@Au NP’s possess a nearly uniform size of around ~ 63.65 nm and a spherical form as core–shell at temperature 38 °C and the Fe@Au-CU-CS-FA NP’s possess a nearly uniform size of around 206.5 nm and a spherical form. EDX results for Fe@Au core–shell structure show percentage ratio of (Fe, Au) elements, and the results of Fe@Au-CU-CS-FA NP’s show percentage ratio of (Fe, Au, C, O, N) elements. Fe@Au-CU-CS-FA NP’s use as drug delivery to treat different types of cancers. Finally, the results showed that synthesized nanosystems are noticeably potent for cancer therapy purposes due to their suitable characteristics such as small size, spherical shape, negligible aggregation, good polydispersity (PDI), correct content and appropriate magnetic responsive properties. This Fe@Au-CU-CS-FA also exhibited a controlled release of CU at 37 °C in (7.4) and (5.4) pH. Afterward, the ideal dose and therapeutic effects of (Fe@Au-CU-CS-FA) for lung cancer and normal cell lines were evaluated through MTT assay. Then the flow cytometry assay shows significant cell apoptosis induction by Fe@Au-CU-CS-FA. The results confirmed that Fe@Au-CU-CS-FA retained considerable antitumor effects; no adverse consequences were detected for normal cells.

Magnetic response properties of natural-rubber-based magnetorhelogical elastomers with different-structured iron fillers

This study investigates the response properties of natural-rubber-based magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) containing two different types of iron powder with different weight content. MREs with different anisotropy were prepared through solution blending and applying a magnetic field during vulcanization. Carbonyl iron particles (S-1640) with round shape and smaller size have greater effect on mechanical stiffening than bigger and irregularly structured electrolytic iron powder (Fe#400) in the MREs with the same weight fraction. The highest anisotropies belong to 1.0 T for S-1640 and 1.5 T for Fe#400 filled MREs. Hence, a lower magnetic field is sufficient to obtain higher magnetic effect in MREs filled with S-1640 iron powder. An external magnetic field has a strong effect on the stress-softening of MREs. S-1640 iron powder has a higher magnetic effect with a lower stress-relaxation rate than Fe#400 iron powder in the MREs.

Enabling synchronous activation of inner-core and mesoporous outer-shell of monodispersed Fe3O4@SiO2 by in-situ implanted MnO to synergistically deliver enhanced catalytic activity

Abstract Herein, we report a facile synthetic method enabling the synchronously activated decoration of the inner core and mesoporous outer shell of monodispersed Fe3O4@meso-silica using in situ implanted MnOx. This approach can maintain the catalytic activity of the internal core without loss of its inherent magnetic properties even when undergoing calcination. The developed catalyst exhibits a well-defined core-shell configuration with a MnOx coating on an Fe3O4 internal core and a MnOx-modified mesoporous outer shell, obtained via only a one-pot output cycle. The thin MnOx coating layer prevents excess oxidation of the unoxidized Fe3O4 core during the annealing process. Additionally, the mesopores in the coated silica were synchronously functionalized by the assistance of dodecylamine (DDA) as surfactant because of the coordination effect of Mn2+ and DDA molecules. The optimal nanocatalyst exhibits improved catalytic activity for styrene oxidation and recoverability due to its magnetic-responsive properties, in contrast to postsynthesized and shell-only functionalized catalysts.

Sequential in-situ route to synthesize novel composite hydrogels with excellent mechanical, conductive, and magnetic responsive properties

It has great significance to develop a convenient and efficient method for hydrogels with adjustable electric and magnetic properties, which can be used in human activity monitoring and personal healthcare diagnosis field. However, it is a big challenge to balance the relationship between the conductive and magnetic categories so that electromagnetic hydrogels could be developed by an in-situ fabrication way. In this work, we firstly proposed a sequential in-situ route to form polypyrrole (PPy) and Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) in sequence within polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix for the hybrid hydrogels with decent mechanical, conductive, and magnetic properties simultaneously, named as Fe3O4/PPy/PVA hydrogel. The as-prepared hybrid hydrogels exhibited continuous electrons transporting path and magnetic responsive properties. Specifically, a unique combination of high electrical conductivity (up to 1.95 ± 0.17 E−4 S cm−1), saturation magnetization (5.42 emu g−1) and greatly enhanced mechanical properties (tensile strength up to 575.03 ± 28.32 kPa, elasticity modulus up to 461.19 ± 24.75 kPa). More importantly, these hybrid hydrogels demonstrated potential applications in biomedical electronic devices, such as strain sensors and magnetic navigators.

Orbital Decomposition of the Carbon Chemical Shielding Tensor in Gold(I) N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes.

The good performance of N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), in terms of versatility and selectivity, has called the attention of experimentalists and theoreticians attempting to understand their electronic properties. Analyses of the Au(I)–C bond in [(NHC)AuL]+/0 (L stands for a neutral or negatively charged ligand), through the Dewar–Chatt–Duncanson model and the charge displacement function, have revealed that NHC is not purely a σ‐donor but may have a significant π‐acceptor character. It turns out, however, that only the σ‐donation bonding component strongly correlates with one specific component of the chemical shielding tensor. Here, in extension to earlier works, a current density analysis, based on the continuous transformation of the current density diamagnetic zero approach, along a series of [(NHC)AuL]+/0 complexes is presented. The shielding tensor is decomposed into orbital contributions using symmetry considerations together with a spectral analysis in terms of occupied to virtual orbital transitions. Analysis of the orbital transitions shows that the induced current density is largely influenced by rotational transitions. The orbital decomposition of the shielding tensor leads to a deeper understanding of the ligand effect on the magnetic response properties and the electronic structure of (NHC)‐Au fragments. Such an orbital decomposition scheme may be extended to other magnetic properties and/or substrate‐metal complexes.

Au-Fe3O4 decorated polydopamine hollow nanoparticles as high performance catalysts with magnetic responsive properties

We demonstrated a simple approach for fabricating Au–Fe3O4/PDA hollow nanoparticles as high-performance catalysts for water purification. The polydopamine (PDA) shell was in situ formed on the silica surface from self-polymerization, which acts as a medium support for coupling with metal ions (for Fe3O4 nanoparticle deposition) as well as a reducing agent and stabilizer for Au nanoparticle reduction and deposition. A step of simultaneous Fe3O4 nanoparticle deposition and silica core removal under alkaline conditions is first introduced in this study. This process significantly simplifies previous strategies which typically require the use of poisonous agents such as hydrogen fluoride or additional complicated post-treatment steps. Under optimized conditions, the Au–Fe3O4/PDA hollow nanoparticles show a high saturation magnetization of 18.8 emu g−1 and an excellent catalytic performance for the rapid reduction of p-nitrophenol with the reaction kinetic constant of 0.34 min−1. This catalyst can be easily recovered using a permanent magnet and recycled eight times with a high catalytic cycle stability. The strategy presented in this work provides a facile and versatile approach towards designing complicated Au–Fe3O4/PDA hollow nanostructures, which might have great potential for many applications within biological, energy, and environmental technologies.

Multi-stimuli responsive nanogel/hydrogel nanocomposites based on κ-carrageenan for prolonged release of levodopa as model drug

This study describes the development of a novel biocompatible nanogel/hydrogel nanocomposite system for long-term delivery of bioactive molecules. To this aim, the nanogels were synthesized via radical polymerization of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide). The nanogels were introduced during the formation of a hydrogel network to produce nanogel/hydrogel soft nanocomposites, while the biocompatible hydrogel was based on poly (acrylic acid) grafted onto κ-carrageenan polysaccharide with entrapped magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as crosslinker. In these systems, by using stimuli-responsive functional polymers in both gels (nanogels and hydrogels), pH, thermal and magnetic-responsive properties can be brought to final soft nanocomposites. The obtained soft nanocomposite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This biopolymer based nanogel/hydrogel used as a prolonged releasing drug carrier for levodopa (L-DOPA) as a main drug for treating Parkinson's symptoms. The in vitro release of L-DOPA was investigated at different pHs. pH-dependent release of the active drug can be sustained for >11 days from this soft nanocomposite. The results demonstrated a sustained release model that can be extended for other drugs.

Layer-by-layer assembly of magnetic-core dual quantum dot-shell nanocomposites for fluorescence lateral flow detection of bacteria.

Lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) strips are extensively used for rapid tests of various biochemical molecules, but these strips still have some limitations in bacterial detection due to their low sensitivity and poor stability in complex samples. In this study, we reported a highly sensitive and quantitative fluorescent LFA strip for bacterial detection by using novel magnetic-core@dual quantum dot (QD)-shell nanoparticles (Fe3O4@DQDs) as multifunctional fluorescent labels. The Fe3O4@DQDs were prepared through a polyethyleneimine (PEI)-mediated layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly method, and they possess monodispersity, high magnetic responsiveness, good stability, and superior fluorescence properties. Based on these merits, the Fe3O4@DQDs were used to capture and enrich bacteria from complex samples and then used as advanced fluorescent labels of LFA strips for the quantitative detection of bacteria. Under optimal conditions, the assay ultra-sensitively detected Streptococcus pneumoniae with a low limit of detection of 8 cells per mL and a wide dynamic linear range of 10 cells per mL to 107 cells per mL. Systematic comparison revealed that the fluorescence detection limit of the Fe3O4@DQD-based strip was 55 and 1000 times higher than those of Fe3O4-core@QD-shell nanocomposite (Fe3O4-QD)-based and conventional QD microsphere-based strips, respectively. The proposed method also exhibited high specificity and selectivity for biological samples (human whole blood and sputum) and is thus a promising tool for real bacterial sample testing.

Relativity or aromaticity? A first-principles perspective of chemical shifts in osmabenzene and osmapentalene derivatives.

We have studied the magnetic response properties and aromaticity of osmium metallacycles by means of scalar-relativistic (1c) and fully relativistic (4c) density functional theory computations. For osmabenzene, whose aromatic character is controversial, a topological analysis of the current density has revealed the presence of a unique σ-type Craig-Möbius magnetic aromaticity. We show that the partially filled osmium valence shell induces a large paratropic current, which may interfere with certain methods commonly used to analyze aromaticity, in particular NICS. Further, we show that the extreme deshielding of the light atoms in the vicinity of the osmium atoms in osmapentalene derivatives is not a consequence of aromaticity but can be explained by paramagnetic couplings between σOs-C bonding orbitals and the π*Os orbitals. We demonstrate that variations in the orientation of the induced magnetic currents through the molecule dictates the alternating signs of the spin-orbit contribution to the NMR chemical shift.

Calculation of magnetic response properties of tetrazines.

Magnetic response properties of 1,2,3,5-tetrazine derivatives including the newly synthesized 4,6-diphenyl-1,2,3,5-tetrazine have been studied computationally at the density functional theory (DFT) level. Calculations of magnetically induced current densities and induced magnetic fields show that the unsubstituted 1,2,3,5-tetrazine is almost as aromatic as benzene. Separating the magnetic shielding functions into molecular orbital components provided additional insights into the magnetic response. The aromatic character estimated from magnetically induced current densities and induced magnetic fields shows that NICSπzz(0) values and ring-current strengths yield about the same degree of aromaticity, whereas NICSzz(0) and NICSzz(1) values are contaminated by σ electron contributions. The studied 1,2,3,5-tetrazine derivatives are less aromatic than the unsubstituted one. Calculations of magnetic response properties of 4,6-diphenyl-1,2,3,5-tetrazine showed that it is the least aromatic among the studied molecules according to the ring-current criterion, while 4,6-[1,2,3,5]-ditetrazinyl-1,2,3,5-tetrazine is as aromatic as 4,6-dimethyl-1,2,3,5-tetrazine and slightly less aromatic than the unsubstituted 1,2,3,5-tetrazine.

Rationally designed magnetic poly(catechol-hexanediamine) particles for bacteria removal and on-demand biofilm eradication

In this study, we proposed a green, facile and low-cost approach for the fabrication of multifunctional particles with robust bacteria removal capability and on-demand biofilm eradication activity. Based on mussel-inspired coating of catechol and hexanediamine on Fe3O4 in aqueous solution, magnetic poly(catechol-hexanediamine) particles (Fe3O4@HDA) were prepared successfully in 1 h, at room temperature. Microbiological experiments demonstrated the Fe3O4@HDA particles could capture bacteria in water efficiently. Meanwhile, with an integration of magnetic response property and near-infrared-triggered photothermal bactericidal activity, the Fe3O4@HDA particles showed a high potential for biofilm targeting and in-situ eradication. We believe that the rationally designed magnetic poly(catechol-hexanediamine) particles could extend the applications of smart antimicrobial agents to industrial fields such as water disinfection and biofouling clean-up.

Preparation of magnetic resin microspheres M-P(MMA-DVB-GMA) and the adsorption property to heavy metal ions

Magnetic resin microspheres called MPMDG2 were prepared by suspension polymerization combined with basic and acidic hydrolysis. The adsorption property of resin microspheres to heavy metal ions was investigated. Structural and morphological analysis revealed that the resin had high specific surface area and mesoporous structure. The resin contained about 9.2 wt% Fe3O4 and exhibited a high magnetic response. Adsorption experiments showed that the resin can selectively absorb Cr(III) and Pb(II) ions. The adsorption process was well described by a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and the equilibrium adsorption data fitted the Langmuir isotherm model better than the Freundlich model. Ion exchange along with chemistry chelating was the most probable mechanisms for the adsorption of metal ions on the resin. The superior magnetic response, regeneration and selective adsorption property of the MPMDG2 make it a good candidate as an adsorbent for removing Cr(III), Pb(II) and Cu(II) from wastewater.

Corrigendum: Open‐Shell Characters, Aromaticities and Third‐Order Nonlinear Optical Properties of Carbon Nanobelts Composed of Five‐ and Six‐Membered Rings

In the original article,1 we reported that electronic structures and optical and magnetic response properties of an open-shell carbon nanobelt (IF-CNB) are evaluated by the spin-unrestricted density functional theory (U-DFT) method using the long-range corrected LC-BLYP exchange correlation functional, namely, at the LC-UBLYP/6-311+G** level. However, only in the calculations of magnetic response properties, we found that the results are obtained by the spin-restricted DFT (R-DFT) solution with <S2>=0. Therefore, the magnetically-induced current (MIC) density maps given in Figures 6 and S6 (in the Supporting Information) as well as the nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS) values given in Figure S5 for the open-shell IF-CNB are found to be those evaluated at the LC-RBLYP/6-311+G** level. We sincerely apologize for this mistake. In a previous study,2 on the other hand, we compared the MIC density results from the R- and U-DFT solutions for oligoacenes and dicyclopenta-fused oligoacenes by using the gauge-including MIC (GIMIC) method. We found that the diatropic (aromatic) contributions of aromatic (4n+2)π systems with open-shell singlet electronic structures tend to be exaggerated when the R-DFT solution was employed primarily because of its very small energy gaps for the orbital transitions contributing to the diatropic current. Therefore, we have recalculated the MIC density map for IF-CNB at the LC-UBLYP/6-311+G** level of approximation and compared the result with that at the LC-RBLYP/6-311+G** level. The results are shown in Figure 1. Even though strong contributions of diatropic (aromatic) ring current were predicted everywhere around the belt at the LC-RBLYP level (Figure 1a), such strong aromatic contributions of ring current are found to be suppressed at the LC-UBLYP level (Figure 1b). In particular, paratropic (anti-aromatic) contributions are found to be predominant inside the belt whereas diatropic contributions are found to appear outside the belt at the LC-UBLYP level. Such paratropic/diatropic contributions inside/outside the hoop are similar to those of [6]annulene (benzene). However, the amplitudes of integrated MIC values of IF-CNB (1-3 nA/T) are found to be much smaller than that of the closed-shell [6]annulene (11.9 nA/T) evaluated at the LC-RBLYP/6-311+G** level [2]. Figure 2 shows the side-views of the MIC density map and the integrated values of MIC density for each bond calculated at the LC-RBLYP and LC-UBLYP levels. Even though the amplitudes of integrated MIC values are decreased, the net induced ring currents along the belt are predicted to flow clockwise at the LC-UBLYP level. Magnetically induced current (MIC) density vector plots of IF-CNB evaluated at the LC-RBLYP/6-311+G** (a) and LC-UBLYP/6-311+G** (b) levels on the plane perpendicular to the z-axis and 1 Å above the center of mass. Diatropic currents rotate clockwise, while the paratropic ones anticlockwise. The values in the color bar are given in a.u. The current vectors are scaled with a factor of 30 Å a.u.-1, where 1 a.u.=100.63 nA T−1 Å−2. Integrated MIC values [nA/T] of each bond with along with MIC maps for IF-CNB at the LC-RBLYP/6-311+G** (a) and LC-UBLYP/6-311+G** (b) levels. Positive and negative values represent clockwise (diatropic) and counter-clockwise (paratropic) contributions of ring current, respectively. Spatial integration of MIC densities was performed on the bisector plane of the bond with a width of 2.0 Å. The length of the plane is 8.0 Å from the center of the mass of the belt. Here, the current vectors are scaled with a factor of 20 Å a.u.−1. Figure 3 shows the results of NICS(0) values on the five- and six-membered rings, which characterize aromatic nature on each ring. In both R- and U-DFT cases, positive (negative) NICS values at the center of five- (six-) membered ring are obtained, whereas, the U-DFT results are found to exhibit more antiaromatic nature than the R-DFT results. This feature may be associated with the emergence of the odd electron density in the U-DFT solution. NICS(0) values [ppm] at the centers of five- and six-membered rings calculated at the LC-RBLYP/6-311+G** (a) and LC-UBLYP/6-311+G** levels. NICS(0) values of symmetry-independent positions are only shown. In summary, the MIC density map of IF-CNB in Figure 6 in the original article should be replaced by Figure 1b, the correct integrated MIC values corresponding to Figure S6 in the Supporting Information are shown in Figure 2b, and the NICS(0) values in Figure S5 (Supporting Information) are presented in Figure 3b. Judging from the results at the LC-UBLYP level, IF-CNB is expected to show not so strong, but fairly weak aromatic nature over the belt in the open-shell singlet state.

Magnetoplasmonic nanoparticles for photothermal therapy

In recent decades the applications of nanotechnology in the biomedical field have attracted a lot of attention. Magnetic and gold nanoparticles (MNPs and GNPs) are now of interest as selective tools for tumour treatment, due to their unique properties and biocompatibility. In this paper, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) decorated with gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have been prepared by means of an innovative synthesis process using tannic acid as the reducing agent. The as-obtained nanoplatforms were characterized in terms of size, morphology, structure, composition, magnetic response and plasmonic properties. The results revealed that hybrid nanoplatforms (magnetoplasmonic nanoparticles, MPNPs) composed of a magnetic core and an external GNP decoration, acting in synergy, have been developed. Biological tests were also performed on both healthy cells and cancer cells exposed to different nanoparticle concentrations, upon laser irradiation. GNPs grafted onto the surface of MNPs revealed the ability to convert the received light into thermal energy, which was selective in its detrimental effect on cancer cells.

Synthesis of magnetic polyphosphazene-Ag composite particles as surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrates for the detection of melamine

Magnetic polyphosphazene (MPZS) particles coated by Ag nanoparticles (MPZS-Ag) have been developed as surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates for sensitive detection of melamine in aqueous solutions and milk samples. 5,5′-Dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) was used as model analyte to test the SERS activity of the MPZS-Ag particles. The prepared MPZS-Ag particles possess both magnetic responsiveness and excellent SERS properties. SERS detection of different concentrations of melamine aqueous solutions and spiked milk samples were performed by the MPZS-Ag particles. The limit of detection (LOD) of the melamine in aqueous solutions was 10−7 mol/L (0.0126 mg/L) and 0.6 mg/L in real milk samples using the MPZS-Ag particles as SERS substrates. The LOD of the melamine are much lower than the safety values of Food and Drug Administration and Codex Alimentarius Commission. These results indicate that the MPZS-Ag particles have promising application prospect for SERS analysis in food safety fields.

XPS study of size effects of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on crosslinking degree of magnetic TFN membrane

The control of thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes cross-linking degree is an important factor to design new membranes and optimizing permeation characteristics. The Fe3O4 nanoparticle's based TFN membranes due to potentially added magnetic responsive properties to the membrane has a great importance in developing membrane architectures. Fe3O4/polyamide (PA) TFN membranes filled with nanoparticles in different sizes and concentrations have been synthesized. Cross-linking degree of PA layer characterized with Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) methods to evaluate size dependency of the cross-linking degree of PA layer network. Obvious correlations and competitions between concentration and size of nanoparticles which affect cross-linking degree have been developed. It has proven that with changing the size of the nanoparticles the concentration effects on polymerization and cross-linking can be tuned. Therefore optimization of size and concentration for fine tuning cross-linking degree in a proposed value is one of the consequences of this research. It concluded that size can be used as a powerful tool to design and engineer new and optimized membrane architectures.

Magnetic response in silicene, germanene, and stanene rings with ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic exchange field

Magnetic response properties of silicene, germanene, and stanene rings have been explored. The total magnetic moment of the rings can be modulated by the exchange field. The magnetic moment of the rings can be regulated and keeps the constant valuewithin certain ferromagnetic exchange filed window. Diamagnetism–paramagnetism or paramagnetism–diamagnetism transitions are observed with the increase of antiferromagnetic exchange field.

Development of Ultrasound-Triggered and Magnetic-Targeted Nanobubble System for Dual-Drug Delivery

Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) constitutes more than 85% of lung cancer case. Pemetrexed is used to treat types of NSCLC, and pazopanib is used for some types of soft tissue sarcoma. The aim of the study was development of pemetrexed and pazopanib carrying nanobubble system with magnetic responsiveness and ultrasound sensitivity properties for targeted NSCLC therapy. Drugs were linked to newly designed peptide, and peptide drug conjugates were attached to amine-modified magnetite. Resulting nanoparticles were encapsulated into liposomes, and liposomes were extruded, then nanobubble system was prepared. Moreover, nanobubble biodistribution was monitored by in vivo imaging system. As a result, based on high-performance liquid chromatography data, magnetite and peptide-pemetrexed were conjugated with 54.02% yield, and magnetite and peptide-pazopanib were bound with 63.53% yield. Hydrodynamic size of nanobubbles, prepared from liposomes filtered through 800 nm and 400 nm, was determined as 491.1 ± 130.2 and 275.8 ± 117.8 nm, respectively. Carrier system was accumulated into tumor area with 80.22% yield of the injected carrier system. It was found that nanobubbles were magnetic responsive for accumulation via magnetic field and could be disrupted by ultrasound via focused acoustic pressure, which lead to targeted drug delivery. These nanobubble systems could be investigated for intravenous and inhaler administration in further studies.

Novel dual responsive alginate-based magnetic nanogels for onco-theranostics

The aim of this work was to obtain a novel onco-theranostic system for early diagnosis and improved chemotherapeutic outcome. Hybrid nanogels with magnetic and dual responsive properties were fabricated by covalently attaching superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with a disulfide-modified alginate derivative, while simultaneously encapsulating the anticancer drug doxorubicin. The resulting nanogels exhibited magnetic-targeted characteristics, high drug loading content, co-triggered release behavior, high toxicity to tumor cells, low side effects to normal cells, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) functions. These findings proved that the hybrid nanogels have great potential as novel tumor-targeting nano-theranostic agents for simultaneous MRI imaging and efficient anti-tumor treatment.

Folate-conjugated zein/Fe3O4 nanocomplexes for the enhancement of cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of gefitinib

Integrating various functional components into a single nano-platform is an ideal but challenging strategy for cancer therapy. Herein, a facile approach to fabricating multi-targeted nano-drug delivery systems which can be monitored is reported. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and gefitinib (GEF) were encapsulated into folic acid-conjugated zein (Fa–zein) nanocomplexes (GEF-FSZs) with good dispersity, high GEF loading efficiency and pH-dependent release profile. The uptake of water-insoluble GEF was facilitated by encapsulating GEF into a zein-based nanocomplex, the magnetic responsive property endowed by SPIONs and the conjugation of Fa, which resulted in enhanced toxicity to A549 cells. The endocytosis study indicated that macropinocytosis and clathrin/caveolae-independent endocytosis exerted great influence on the internalization of GEF-FSZs. These results implied that GEF-FSZs could be a promising candidate for controlled and targeted drug delivery.