Magnetic and fluorescent multifunctional chitosan nanoparticles as a smart drug delivery system

An innovative drug delivery system based on magnetic and fluorescent multifunctional chitosan nanoparticles was developed, which combined magnetic targeting, fluorescent imaging and stimulus-responsive drug release properties into one drug delivery system. Water-soluble superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles, CdTe quantum dots (QDs) and pharmaceutical drugs were simultaneously incorporated into chitosan nanoparticles; cross-linking the composite particles with glutaraldehyde tailored their size, morphology, surface properties and drug release behaviors. The system showed superparamagnetic and strong fluorescent properties, and was used as a controlled drug release vehicle, which showed pH-sensitive drug release over a long time. The composite magnetic and fluorescent chitosan nanoparticles are potential candidates as a smart drug delivery system.