Processing and characterization of activated carbon coated magnetic particles for biomedical applications

Synthesis and characterization of Magnetically Targeted Carrier (MTC) powders consisting of activated carbon coated iron particles were carried out. Powders with activated carbon content of 5% by weight (Fe5C) and 35% by weight (Fe35C) were studied. Powders were synthesized via the high energy ball milling route, and the influence of milling time on the morphology, magnetic properties and drug adsorption and desorption characteristics was investigated. Physical and structural characterization included electron microscopy, size analysis, and X-ray diffraction. The magnetic properties, and theophylline adsorption and desorption characteristics were studied. Fe35C milled for 10 h was found to be a suitable candidate for MTC applications with fine size, stable magnetic properties, and superior drug adsorption and desorption behavior.