Preparation, characterization, and performance of magnetic iron-carbon composite microparticles for chemotherapy

Magnetic microcarrier particles useful for delivering chemotherapeutic drug molecules are described. The particles are formed by joint deformation of iron and carbon in a ball mill. Physical, chemical, and functional characterization has been carried out on the particles. Physical characteristics include microscopy, particle size analysis (0.5-5 mu m), surface area (250 m(2)/g), water vapor adsorption isotherm (hydrophobic surface), and analysis of the iron-carbon interface by Mossbauer spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and differential thermal analysis. Chemical analysis was used to identify elements in the particles other than carbon and iron. Functional characteristics measured included the particles' ability to adsorb and desorb doxorubicin, cytotoxicity, and their magnetic susceptibility. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.