Studies on the Preparation, Structure and Characteristics of Magnetic Nanohydrogels by Modified Starch as Crosslinker for Anticancer Drug Carriers

Within the past two decades, the use of magnetic micro- and nanoparticles in biomedical applications has attracted more and mor attention. In this respect, the design of polymeric (nano-)carrier materials is a key part of de novo drug delivery systems (DDSs). Among them multi-stimuli responsive biodegradable polymeric nanocarriers for targeted and controlled drug delivery are particular of interest, in part due to their good biocompatibility, high drug loading capacity, adequate stability in the bloodstream, long circulation properties, and selective accumulation at the site of action together with a suitable drug release profile [1-2]. For this purpose, the starch end-caped itaconatmacromonomer (StIAM) was adsorbed onto the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, and then copolymerized with NIPAAmvia a ‗free‘ radical initiated polymerization technique (MNHG). The chemical structures of sample as representatives were characterized by means of FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopies. The LCST, morphologies, elemental compositions, and magnetic properties of the synthesized MNHGwere examined. Finally loading efficiency and release rate of methotrexate were assessed.