Magnetoliposomes containing magnesium ferrite nanoparticles as nanocarriers for the model drug curcumin

Magnesium ferrite nanoparticles, with diameters around 25 nm, were synthesized by coprecipitation method. The magnetic properties indicate a superparamagnetic behaviour, with a maximum magnetization of 16.2 emu g^-1, a coercive field of 22.1 Oe and a blocking temperature of 183.2 K. These MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles were used to produce aqueous and solid magnetoliposomes, with sizes below 130 nm. The potential drug curcumin was successfully incorporated in these nanosystems, with high encapsulation efficiencies (above 89%). Interaction by fusion between both types of drug-loaded magnetoliposomes (with or without PEGylation) and models of biological membranes was demonstrated, using FRET or fluorescence quenching assays. These results point to future applications of magnetoliposomes containing MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles in cancer therapy, allowing combined magnetic hyperthermia and chemotherapy.