Size control of magnetic carbon nanoparticles for drug delivery

Carbonized polypyrrole nanoparticles with controlled diameters were readily fabricated by the pyrolysis of polypyrrole nanoparticles. The carbonized polypyrrole nanoparticles showed narrow size distribution, large micropore volume, and high surface area. Magnetic phases were introduced into the carbon nanoparticles during the pyrolysis without sophisticated process, which resulted in useful magnetic properties for selective nanoparticle separation. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectrometer, N2 adsorption/desorption, X-ray diffraction, and superconducting interference device were employed for characterizing the carbonized polypyrrole nanoparticles. Hydrophobic guest molecules were incorporated into the carbonized polypyrrole nanoparticles by surface adsorption, pore filling, and surface covalent coupling. The carbonized polypyrrole nanoparticles exhibited embedding capability using pyrene as a typical hydrophobic fluorescent molecule. In addition, ibuprofen was incorporated into the carbon nanoparticles, and drug-loaded carbon nanoparticles sustained release property. In addition, the carbonized polypyrrole nanoparticles revealed low toxicity at concentrations below 100 μg mL−1 via cell viability test and were uptaken inside the cells. These results suggest a new platform for the drug delivery using carbonized polypyrrole nanoparticles.