Abstract
Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are increasingly used in medical applications due to their unique physical properties. They are useful carriers for delivering antitumour drugs in targeted cancer treatment. In this study, amido acid-functionalised magnetic nanoparticles (AAFMNs) are used as drug-delivery vehicles for doxorubicine as an efficient tool for the treatment of cancer. Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesised using a co-precipitation method. The prepared iron oxide nanoparticles were then functionalised with amido acid functional groups. Finally, the synthesised AAFMNs were used for the delivery of doxorubicine. AAFMNs were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and zeta potential. An in vitro-determined hydrodynamic diameter of ∼80 nm suggested their applicability for this purpose. The findings show that AAFMNs are a promising tool for potential magnetic drug delivery.