Synthesis and characterization of Cu0.3Zn0.5Mg0.2Fe2O4 nanoparticles as a magnetic drug delivery system

Mixed spinel ferrite nanoparticles are being applied in biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, antibacterial activity, particular magnetic and electronic properties with chemical and thermal stabilities. The Cu0.3Zn0.5Mg0.2Fe2O4 nanoparticles are synthesized through the thermal treatment method. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is used as the capping agent to stabilize the particles and prevent their agglomeration. The synthesized nanoparticles are characterized through X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), N-2 adsorption-desorption, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The magnetic characterization is made on a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), which displayed super-paramagnetic behavior of the synthesized sample. Potential application of the Cu0.3Zn0.5Mg0.2Fe2O4 nanoparticles as a drug delivery agent is assessed in vitro by estimating their release properties. The obtained results indicate that the amount of ibuprofen (IBU) adsorbed into the nanocarrier of Cu0.3Zn0.5Mg0.2Fe2O4 is 104 mg/g and the drug release is sustained up to 72 h. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.