A sonochemical route for the encapsulation of drug in magnetic microspheres

This study focused on the preparation and characterization of magnetic targeted antibiotic microspheres (MTAMs). MTAMs were prepared by a sonochemical method in the presence of hydrophobic Fe3O4 nanoparticles and tetracycline. The properties of MTAMs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectrum, thermogravimetric analysis, vibration sample magnetometry, and bacteriostatic experiment. The results indicated that the superparamagnetic microspheres have ultrafine size (below 230 nm), high saturation magnetization (80.90 emu/g), high biocompatibility, biodegradability, controlled-release, and antibiotic effect. It has been proved that MTAMs can carry out the function of magnetic targeted drugs delivery system by putting together magnetic materials and antibiotics. The possible formation mechanism of MTAMs was also discussed. In summary, MTAMs had potential in medical imaging, drug targeting, and catalysis. (c) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.