Synthesis and characterisation of stimuli-responsive drug delivery system using ZnFe2O4 and Ag1-XZnxFe2O4 nanoparticles

Abstract

Ferrites have been serving as clinical elements over the past few years as contrasting agents in MRI, gene transfection, gene consignment and to attach cytotoxic drugs for targeted drug delivery. In this study, we report the synthesis of zinc ferrite and silver substituted zinc ferrite and its novel applications on drug delivery. The magnetic nanoparticle was characterised using XRD, SEM, TEM, UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR and VSM. This magnetic particle was loaded with Curcumin, an anticancer drug coating with casein which plays a vital role as a natural polymer. The drug release studies were done under external and internal stimuli such as initial concentration of drug, magnetic fields and various pH, respectively. We have developed a pH-sensitive, higher drug concentration drug delivery system under 5 mT magnetic fields which is efficient for targeting drug delivery to the malignant cell.