Smart magnetic self-assembled micelle: an effective nanocarrier for thermo-triggered paclitaxel delivery

Abstract

Magnetic micelle nanoparticles with thermoresponsive behavior were designed for thermo-triggered paclitaxel delivery. For this purpose, thermoresponsive triblock copolymer poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide)-b-polycaprolactone-b-poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) was prepared. The magnetic micelle was formed by self-assembly of triblock copolymer on the magnetite which was coated by oleic acid. The size of the magnetic micelle was between 30–40 nm reported by transmission electron microscopy. Also, dynamic light scattering indicated the hydrodynamic diameter was thermal dependent. Moreover, the drug release profile showed thermo-triggered release of paclitaxel. Thus, the smart nanocarrier has potential to be applied in both chemotherapy and hyperthermia treatment.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Micelle
• paclitaxel
• thermosensitive
• triblock copolymer

Additional information

Funding

The financial supports of the Iran National Science Foundation (INSF, 940089) are gratefully acknowledged.