Controllable release from magnetoliposomes by magnetic stimulation and thermal stimulation

Liposomes with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles embedded in membrane were prepared by the supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) method. The cargos can be released from liposomes by both triggered agents, temperature and alternating current electromagnetic field (AMF). The release mechanism was explained from the view of microstructure change investigated by fluorescence probe method. The contents could be repetitively released from liposomes controlled by switching on and off the AMF. The results indicated that the release from the liposomes was due to the magnetocaloric effect resulting in the liposome phase transition and the magnetic-impelled motions leading to the improved bilayer permeability, rather than the destruction of the liposome structure.

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► Liposomes with hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticles in membrane were prepared.
► The release of cargo from magnetoliposomes can be controlled by thermal stimulation.
► The release of cargo from magnetoliposomes can be triggered by magnetic stimulation.
► Repetitive release proved the retained liposome structure during the release process.
► Hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticles affects the release property of magnetoliposomes.