Biocompatible Polymer Coated Paramagnetic Nanoparticles for Doxorubicin Delivery: Synthesis and Anticancer Effects Against Human Breast Cancer Cells

To increase the efficacy of doxorubicin in induction of apoptosis, pH-responsive nanocarriers with an average particle size of 20nm by using chitosan-polymethacrylic acid (CTS-PMAA) shells and Fe3O4 cores via in situ polymerization approach were synthesized. Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) was loaded effectively to nanocarrier through electrostatic interactions and strong hydrogen banding. The cumulative release of DOX-loaded nanoparticles was pH dependent with a maximum release rate at pH 5.8. In vitro cytotoxicity assay revealed the biocompatibility of blank nanocarrier and superior anticancer performance of DOX-loaded nanoparticles verified by DAPI staining and MTT assay tests. [GRAPHICS] .