pH-sensitive magnetic alginate-chitosan beads for albendazole delivery

Novel magnetic alginate-chitosan beads were prepared for the controlled delivery of albendazole. The magnetic beads were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The swelling behavior and in vitro release of albendazole from the beads has been investigated. The magnetic hydrogel beads had showed unique pH-dependent swelling behaviors and a continuous release of the entrapped albendazole occurred. From the magnetometer measurements data, the magnetic alginate-chitosan beads also had superparamagnetic property as well as fast magnetic response. The magnetic beads may be used as a magnetic drug targeting system for albendazole in the gastrointestinal tract.