Influence of Alternating and Static Magnetic Fields on Drug Release from Hybrid Hydrogels Containing Magnetic Nanoparticles

Abstract

Hybrid hydrogels of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), containing two different amounts of CoFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles (50% and 70% in relation to the quantity of the polymer) as crosslinkers, were prepared. The hybrid hydrogels were chemically and morphologically characterized and their viscoelastic properties and swelling degrees were analyzed. The hydrogels were tested as controlled drug delivery systems by applying one static and two different alternating magnetic fields. The application of the two alternating magnetic fields (AMF) to the hybrid hydrogels induced a higher release of methylene blue (MB), used as a model drug, than without the application of any magnetic field, especially at low frequency (4 Hz) and high magnetic intensity (0.5 T). In contrast, when the hybrid hydrogels were exposed to a static magnetic field (SMF) the release of MB was slowed down. Furthermore the two different amounts of magnetic nanoparticles induce different responses to the magnetic field. The greater number of nanoparticles in the CMC-NP-70 hydrogel leads to the formation of some NPs clusters limiting the drug release; conversely, the CMC-NP-50 hydrogel, containing a lower amount of nanoparticles, shows a higher release of MB vs. time. In conclusion, we were able to get a potential system for modulation of the drug delivery: the release behaviour of hybrid hydrogels can be modulated by applying alternating and static magnetic fields cyclically. A possible explanation for the release mechanism is about the structural modification of the polymeric chains that occurs when the hybrid hydrogels are exposed to the magnetic fields.* Corresponding author. M. Uva et al.117

On the Mechanism of Drug Release from Polysaccharide Hydrogels Cross-Linked with Magnetite Nanoparticles by Applying Alternating Magnetic Fields: the Case of DOXO Delivery

“…On the contrary, no significant difference in the G" values were observed, indicating a very similar viscous behavior [15]. An analogous trend was also observed for the CMC-NPs (CoFe 2 O 4 ) hydrogel [28], even if the viscosity character of CMC-NP (Fe 3 O 4 ) results are greater than that of CMC-NP(CoFe 2 O 4 ). A different degree of cross-link between the CMC-DAP hydrogel and the CMC-NP hydrogel (which were not determined) may have an effect on the observed differences in the WU and rheological properties.…”

“…The major advantage of this strategy is that the covalent bond avoids the release of NPs from the hydrogel matrix, which could result in toxicity for the host tissue. In a previous work, we used CoFe 2 O 4 NPs, modified with (3-aminopropyl)-trimethoxysilane (APTMS), as cross-linkers to prepare a CMC hydrogel [28]. The magnetic hybrid hydrogel was tested as a controlled drug release system.…”

Transformer Hydrogels: A Review

“…Generally, these gels do not need additional cross‐linkers during synthesis and gel spontaneously when the mixed. Examples have polymer matrices that include AAm, and polysaccharides like carboxymethylcellulose with reactive groups and the most common cross‐linkable magnetic particles are functionalized cobalt ferrite (CoFe 2 O 4 ) and hematite . Other multiresponsive, anisotropic, tough, and self‐healing magnetic gels require more complex architectures.…”

Monitoring Endothelial and Tissue Responses to Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles and Hybrid Hydrogels

“…The presence of NPs increases mechanical characteristics of the hydrogel (hydrogel without NPs presents the storage or elasticity modulus (G’) 500±50 Pa and the loss or viscosity modulus (G”) 60±30 Pa, instead the G’ of hydrogel with NPs is 3300±300 Pa and the G” is 90±20 Pa) [19]. …”