Functionalized magnetic nanoparticles as vehicles for the delivery of the antitumor drug gemcitabine to tumor cells. Physicochemical in vitro evaluation

► We describe the synthesis of drug vehicles based on magnetic nanocomposites. ► Electrophoresis and optical absorbance are used to detect gemcitabine loading. ► Release of the antitumor drug into liver, colon and breast tumor cells is proved. ► Vehiculization of the drug improves its cytotoxicity over that of free gemcitabine.