A magnetic nanogel based on O-carboxymethylchitosan for antitumor drug delivery: synthesis, characterization and in vitro drug release

This paper studied the synthesis, characterization and use of the magnetic chitosan nanogel for carrying meleimidic compounds. The hydrogel polymer was prepared using O-carboxymethylchitosan, which was crosslinked with epichlorohydrin for subsequent incorporation of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles. The characterization revealed that the magnetic material comprises about 10% of the hydrogel. This material is comprised of magnetite and maghemite and exhibits ferro–ferrimagnetic behavior. The average particle size is 4.2 nm. There was high incorporation efficiency of maleimides in the magnetic nanogel. The release was of sustained character and there was a greater release when an external magnetic field was applied. The mathematical model that best explained the process of drug release by the magnetic hydrogel was that of Peppas–Sahlin. The magnetic nanogel proved to be an excellent candidate for use in drug-delivery systems.