Doxorubicin-loaded magnetic nanocapsules based on N-palmitoyl chitosan and magnetite: Synthesis and characterization

•A new type of magnetic nanocapsules has been prepared by a double emulsion method.•Magnetic nanocapsules physico-chemical characteristics have been evaluated.•Magnetic nanocapsules showed good ability to encapsulate a chemotherapeutic agent.•Doxorubicin loaded-magnetic nanocapsules exhibited suitable magnetic properties.

Doxorubicin-loaded magnetic nanocapsules, based on N-palmitoyl chitosan and magnetite, have been prepared using a double emulsion method. The morphology and size of the nanocapsules have been investigated by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Magnetic nanocapsules were nearly spherical in shape, with a mean diameter in the nanometer range, and positive zeta potential. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) confirmed the structure of composite magnetic nanocapsules. Magnetic nanocapsules exhibited suitable magnetic saturation, superparamagnetic behavior and good ability to incorporate a chemotherapeutic agent, properties which can be exploited in many different areas of biomedicine.