Synthesis and physicochemical response of polyethylene glycol encapsulated nickel ferrite nanoparticles

Abstract

The authors describe here the chemical processing methodology and physicochemical response of superparamagnetic nickel ferrite nanoparticles, which were encapsulated and functionalised with polyethylene glycol to form a core shell structure. The outer shell was subsequently conjugated with tumour recognition moiety, folic acid and loaded with doxorubicin drug to achieve tumour specific drug delivery. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the functionalisation and conjugation steps used in the synthesis of the nanocarrier. The drug release response was characterised by an initial rapid release followed by a controlled release. The study also indicated that it is important to optimise the thickness of the polyethylene glycol shell on the magnetic nickel ferrite core to avoid reduction in the ability of the nanocarrier to experience alternate compressive and tensile stresses caused by the external magnetic field because this leads to reduction in the percentage of drug release.