Drug Release Stimulated by Magnetic Field and Light on Magnetite-and Carbon Dot-Loaded Carbon Nanohorn

Magnetite nanoparticles of 9 nm size were synthesized by co-precipitation, hybridized with carbon dots by in situ hydrothermal treatment, and chemically bound on an acid-treated carbon nanohom through carbon dots. Separately, magnetite nanoparticles were in situ deposited on an acid-treated carbon nanohom. Both composites were well dispersed in aqueous medium and displayed magnetism. These composites were examined for drug (doxorubicin and gemcitabine) loading/release and, additionally, a carbon dot-immobilized composite exerted the influence of the photodynamic/photothermal effects under laser light emission on gemcitabine release. The release of gemcitabine from magnetite-bound composite was completed when the hyperthermia procedure was conducted together under a magnet. Thus, the magnetite- and carbon dot-including composites possess possible simultaneous usage in phototherapy and thermotherapy including hyperthermia beside chemotherapy.

Automated summary

In this study, magnetite nanoparticles were hybridized with carbon dots and chemically bound on an acid-treated carbon nanohom, resulting in composite materials with magnetism and drug release capabilities. Under laser light emission, these composites exhibited photodynamic/photothermal effects that influenced drug release. Complete drug release was achieved under hyperthermia procedure conducted with a magnet. Therefore, these composites hold potential for simultaneous usage in phototherapy, thermotherapy, and chemotherapy.