Synthesis of poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles with entrapped magnetite

The goal of the research was to synthesize magnetic polymeric nanoparticles (MPNPs) under 100 nm in diameter, for future drug delivery applications. The thesis is divided into two main sections. In the first section, a quantitative, and comprehensive description of the top-down synthesis techniques available for poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and magnetic polymeric nanoparticles (MPNPs) formation is provided, as well as the techniques commonly used for nanoparticle characterization. In the second part, a novel way to form MPNPs is presented. The emulsion evaporation method was selected as the method of choice to form poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles with entrapped magnetite (Fe3O4) in the polymeric matrix, in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a surfactant. The magnetite, a water soluble compound, was surface functionalized with oleic acid to ensure its efficient entrapment in the PLGA matrix. The inclusion of magnetite with oleic acid (MOA) into the PLGA nanoparticles was accomplished in the organic phase. Synthesis was followed by dialysis, performed to eliminate the excess SDS, and lyophilization. The nanoparticles obtained ranged in size between 38.6 nm and 67.1 nm for naked PLGA nanoparticles, and from 78.8 to 115.1 nm for MOA entrapped PLGA nanoparticles. The entrapment efficiency ranged from 57.36% to 91.9%. The SDS remaining in the nanoparticles varied from 51.02% to 88.77%