pH-responsive controlled release of epirubicin from Fe@Si-PW hybrid nanoparticles

• A novel magnetic nanocarrier was synthesized and characterized.
• This nanocarrier was used for controlled release of epirubicin.
• This nanocarrier has high drug loading efficiency and high drug loading capacity.
• The drug release was sensitive towards pH changes.
• This pH-responsive system may reduce cytotoxic effects of epirubicin.

An efficient drug delivery system has been fabricated through an electrostatic interaction between epirubicin and H3PW12O40-functionalized silica encapsulated maghemite nanoparticles. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized for morphology, size distribution, drug loading efficiency, drug content and drug release behavior. Our results indicate that the hybrid nanoparticles possess high adsorption capacity for epirubicin (20.6 wt.%) and high drug loading efficiency (82.6%). The drug release is greater in acetate buffer (95.8%) as compared to phosphate buffered saline (47.5%). The pH-responsive release of the hybrid drug carrier and high drug loading efficiency are its advantages as a promising carrier.

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