Synthesis, characterization, and controllable drug release of pH-sensitive hybrid magnetic nanoparticles

The synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles coated with pH-sensitive poly((2-dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) for use as novel potential carriers for targeted drug delivery and controllable release is reported. The organic/inorganic hybrid nanoparticles were obtained with a narrow molecular weight distribution. The pH-sensitivity of the nanoparticles was investigated by the measurement of the pH dependence of hydrodynamic radius and the superparamagnetism was illustrated by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The behavior of model drug phenolphthalein released from the nanoparticles indicated that the rate of drug release could be effectively controlled by altering the pH values of the environment.