Magnetically loaded drug molecules and their stability in smart bionanocomposites

We present some interesting results on drug loading behaviour of bionanocomposites made from poly (ethylene oxide)-chitosan based biopolymer matrix with various paramagnetic and superparamagnetic nanoparticles. A facile route for developing these bionanocomposites is discussed, which includes the synthesis of superparamagnetic nanoparticles in poly (ethylene oxide) and in chitosan at different loading and fabrication of nanofibers-containing polymer fibers/beads. The model drug, Ibuprofen, had a nominal drug loading of 50mg/g of carrier. However, when the beads were subjected to external magnetic field, the drug loading behaviour was altered and the nominal drug loading was found to increase by 12-22% of carrier. Drug loading behaviour under low temperatures (below the glass transition temperature of the matrix) and under external magnetic field was also carrier out. Further, molecular pore size distribution of the bionanocomposites was investigated using Positron Annhilation Lifetime Spectroscopy and Doppler broadening spectrum to determine if the variation in external magnetic field influences the pore sizes and thus the drug loading behaviour. The release kinetics of both magnetically induced drug loaded and non-magnetically induced drug loaded carrier showed linear cumulative response against log(time). Electron microscopy characterisation reveals an interesting surface of the bionanocomposite carrier; a highly convoluted surface topography highlighting a high surface area to volume ratio