Synthesis and characterization of magnetic hybrid nanomaterials via RAFT polymerization: A pH sensitive drug delivery system

Herein, a facile and versatile method for the synthesis of a novel magnetic nanocarrier via surface- initiated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization is introduced. At first, RAFT agent was successfully attached to the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and, then, poly (glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) chains were grown and anchored onto the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. At the end, hydrazine (Hy) groups were introduced to the PGMA chains via reaction between epoxy rings and hydrazine molecules. Doxorubicin (DOX) was covalently conjugated to the prepared nanocarrier (Fe3O4@PGMA@Hy) through a hydrazone linkage. The in vitro drug release of Fe3O4@PGMA@Hy@DOX examined in buffers with pH 7.4 and pH 5.4 exhibited a strong pH-sensitive behavior. The results showed that FFe3O4 @PGMA@Hy@DOX successfully performed the delivery and controlled release of doxorubicin (DOX) anticancer drug.