An efficient strategy is employed for the preparation of magnetic hybrid hydrogels consisting of functionalized CoFe 2 O 4 magnetic nanoparticles covalently bound to a carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) polymer. The method involves the formation of an amide bond between the carboxylic groups of CMC and the amine groups of functionalized nanoparticles, which work as the crosslinking agents of the polymer chains. The hybrid hydrogels were chemically and morphologically characterized. The rheological properties of the hydrogels were also investigated with the aim to verify their behavior under an applied mechanical stress. The hybrid hydrogel turns out to be thixotropic. Thanks to the presence of magnetic nanoparticles, the hydrogel is capable of responding to an external magnetic field. Preliminary data show the possibility of loading the hydrogel with a dye, which can be considered as a drug model, to squeeze it through a syringe and to drive the material by the application of an external magnetic field.

Abstract:Novel hybrid magnetic hydrogels have demonstrated their influence in several areas, particularly in biomedical science where these innovative materials are showing interesting applications for controlled drug delivery. A hybrid hydrogel with CoFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles (NPs) as cross-linker agents of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) polymer was obtained with the aim of testing it as a system for controlled drug release. The NPs were functionalized with (3-aminopropyl)-trimethoxysilane (APTMS) in order to introduce-NH 2 groups on the surface. Infrared spectroscopy, XPS and electrochemical analysis were performed to quantify the amino coating. The presence of magnetic nanoparticles makes the system suitable for an application with magnetic stimulus. Preliminary studies performed with alternating magnetic fields indicate a release of the drug-like molecules previously loaded in the matrix.

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