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.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Thermosensitive polymer
• magnetic nanoparticles
• iron oxide nanoparticles
• hybrid hydrogel
• suspension crosslinking
• biocompatibility

Acknowledgements

I thank Prof. Y.M. Elçin, Prof. A. E. Elçin, Dr. M. T. Vurat and Dr. Özge Lalegül-Ülker very warmly for their advice and support.

Disclosure statement

The author declares no competing interests in relation to this article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was partially funded by the Ankara University Research Fund (No. 14B0430002).