Preparation of Biodegradable Magnetic Nanoparticles via a Simple Assembly Process for Controllable Drug Delivery

Qiu-yue Wang, Qing-han Zhou

In this research, a functional cross-linked PEI assembled with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were prepared via a simple assembly process for delivery of doxorubicin (DOX). The functional cross-linked PEI was synthesized by Michael addition reaction, where N,N-Bis(acryloyl) cystamine served as cross-linker, PEI, and dopamine (DA) acted as comonomers. Here the cross-linked PEI is directly assembled to the surface of SPIONs by the ligand exchange reaction forming the SPIONs@PEI, and then the DOX was encapsulated into the nanoparticles forming the drug loaded biodegradable magnetic nanoparticles (SPIONs@PEI@DOX). The hydrophilic PEI moiety provides the nanoparticles colloidal stability and good-dispersity in aqueous solution. TEM images showed that the SPIONs and SPIONs@PEI were well dispersed with high stability in water after the ligand exchange process. All the results showed that the prepared biodegradable magnetic nanoparticle could serve as a promising vehicle for targeting anticancer drug delivery.