Preparation, stability and cytocompatibility of magnetic/PLA-PEG hybrids

Hybrid nanocolloids based on biodegradable polymers of poly(lactide) (PLA) or poly(lactide)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA-PEG) and hydrophobic iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) of ca. 5 nm are prepared via a self-assembly route. The magnetic nanoparticles are organized in superclusters inside the hydrophobic core of PLA-PEG micelles or cholate-stabilized PLA nanospheres. The hydrodynamic diameter of MNPs-loaded PLA nanospheres is similar to 250 nm, whereas that of MNPs-loaded PLA-PEG micelles is much lower (similar to 100 nm) and thus compatible with applications where prolonged blood circulation is required. The PLA-PEG micelles exhibit high encapsulation efficiency for the MNPs, imparting a saturation magnetization value to the hybrid of 8.4 emu g(-1). Both hybrid colloids display magnetic properties of a non-interacting assembly of superparamagnetic particles and a low blocking temperature, both of which are key attributes for colloidally stable ferrofluids. Furthermore, the PLA-PEG magnetic hybrids display remarkable colloidal stability at high ionic strength, temperature and in human blood plasma, while the estimated critical micelle concentration of ca. 2 x 10(-5) mM (0.3 mg L-1) indicates the low probability of the colloids dissociation in the blood compartment. They were also found to be non-toxic to human cells in vitro. The results underline the potential of the magnetic/PLA-PEG hybrids and encourage further research for their in vivo biomedical applications.