Magnetic/pH-responsive beads based on caboxymethyl chitosan and κ-carrageenan and controlled drug release

This paper reports the synthesis of magnetic and pH-sensitive beads derived from κ-carrageenan and carboxymethyl chitosan for drug delivery. The magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized inside a mixture of biopolymers by in situ method. The structural properties of hydrogel beads were characterized by TEM, SEM, XRD, and VSM techniques. The swelling ratio of beads indicated pH-dependent properties with maximum water absorbing at pH 7.4. Introducing magnetic nanoparticles caused a decrease in swelling capacity from 16.4 to 10 g/g. Drug loading and release efficiency were investigated using diclofenac sodium as a model system. The in vitro drug release studies exhibited significant behaviors on the subject of physiological simulated pHs and external alternative magnetic fields. The maximum cumulative release was around 82% at pH 7.4. The presence of magnetite nanoparticles certainly influenced the drug release patterns. The response of beads to external stimulus makes them as good candidates for novel drug delivery systems.