Comprehensive Methodology for Evaluating the Drug Loading of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Using Combined Magnetometry and...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Accurate quantification of drug loading on magnetic nanoparticles is crucial for nanomedicine.
• Existing methods may be destructive or lack precision.
• Iron oxide nanoparticles are widely used drug delivery vehicles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a quantitative methodology for estimating drug loading on iron oxide-based magnetic nanoparticles.
• To validate the methodology using doxorubicin-functionalized nanoparticles.
• To establish a reliable and non-destructive evaluation technique.

Main Methods:

• Corroboration of magnetometry and Mössbauer spectroscopy.
• Low-temperature Mössbauer spectroscopy to probe magnetic structure and estimate spontaneous magnetization of the magnetic core.
• Utilizing the ratio of spontaneous magnetization between covered and core nanoparticles.

Main Results:

• A methodology for quantitative drug loading estimation was successfully developed and exemplified.
• The method accurately quantifies organic molecule loading on nanoparticles.
• Demonstrated applicability to Fe3O4 nanoparticles functionalized with doxorubicin via citric acid or L-Cysteine.

Conclusions:

• The proposed methodology offers a reliable and non-destructive approach for evaluating drug loading on magnetic nanoparticles.
• This technique is applicable to a broad range of medicine-loaded, iron-containing magnetic nanoparticles amenable to 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy.
• Enhances the precision of drug quantification in nanomedicine formulations.