Preparation of Biodegradable Magnetic Nanoparticles via a Simple Assembly Process for Targeting Doxorubicin Delivery and MR Imaging

In this research, a multi-functional copolymer assembled with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were prepared via a simple assembly process for targeting delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging detection. The multi-functional copolymer, polyamidoamine (PAMAM), was synthesized by Michael addition reaction, where N,N-Bis(acryloyl) cystamine served as cross-linker, DOX, dopamine (DA), folic acidndashpolyethylene glyco (FA-PEG) and PEG acted as comonomers. Here the PAMAM is directly assembled to the surface of SPIONs by the ligand exchange reaction with SPIONs forming the drug loaded biodegradable magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs-DOX). The hydrophilic PEG moiety provides the nanoparticles colloidal stability and good-dispersity in aqueous solution. Colloidal stability of the MNPs-DOX in aqueous media by their anti-fouling property. TEM images showed that the MNPs-DOX were well dispersed with high stability in water after the ligand exchange process. All the results showed that the prepared biodegradable magnetic nanoparticle could serve as a promising vehicle for targeting anticancer drug delivery and efficient detection through MR imaging in theranostics.