Self-assembled magnetic liposomes from electrospun fibers

• A facile way to produce magnetic liposomes by self-assembly from electrospun nanofibers is proposed.
• The size of the magnetic liposomes can be controlled by varying the Fe3O4 content in the precursor fibers.
• The self-assembled liposomes are found to be stable and well dispersed, and to retain the magnetic properties of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles.
• An outline mechanism for the self-assembly process is proposed.

A new and facile route for preparing magnetic liposomes from electrospun fibers comprising the hydrophilic polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone K90, phosphatidyl choline and Fe3O4 nanoparticles is reported. The composite fibers were found to contain Fe3O4 particles dispersed relatively uniformly. Magnetic liposomes formed spontaneously via molecular self-assembly when the composite fibers were added to water. The liposomes were found to be generally well dispersed, and stable to degradation. Their size can be controlled by varying the Fe3O4 content of the fibers. The magnetic properties of the nanoparticles are maintained through the electrospinning and self-assembly processes, indicating that these materials maybe have very considerable potential in the development of magnetic drug delivery systems and other therapeutic or theranostic applications.

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