Magnetic and degradable polymer/bioactive glass composite nanoparticles for biomedical applications

The present study focuses on the development of a biocompatible and biodegradable iron oxide incorporated chitosan-gelatin bioglass composite nanoparticles [Fe-BG]. The developed composite nanoparticle was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermo gravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry analysis (DSC). The size of the negatively charged composite nanoparticle was in the range of 43-51 nm. The in vitro analysis of the composite nanoparticles was carried out by cell aggregation, protein adsorption and haemolytic activity. The magnetic hysteresis value of the composite nanoparticle showed that it is a soft magnetic material. The presence of iron oxide in the chitosan-gelatin bioglass [BG] matrix enhances biodegradability as indicated in the TG studies. Iron-oxide in equal amount to bioglass in the polymer matrix has been obtained as the optimized system. The developed composite nanoparticle is a soft magnetic material and is suitable for the magnetic hyperthermia treatment and drug delivery. More detailed in vivo studies are needed to confirm the biodegradation profile and biological activity of the material. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.