Production and characterization of biocompatible nano‐carrier based on Fe₃O₄ for magnetically hydroxychloroquine drug delivery

Abstract

In this work, we attempted to produce a new biocompatible nano‐carrier based on the Fe3O4 nanoparticles for drug delivery applications. The release profile of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) was evaluated and the nano‐carrier was characterized using Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X‐ray, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and vibration‐sample magnetometer. Specifically, maximum adsorption of HCQ was achieved in pH = 7, contact time 15 minutes, and environment temperature. Kinetics and mechanism of HCQ release were investigated using suitable mathematical models. The isotherm results demonstrated that the adsorption of HCQ onto the nano‐carrier was well fit to the Langmuir isotherm model and the maximum adsorption capacity for HCQ was 1.27 (mg g−1). Moreover, based on the RL value (0.06), the adsorption procedure was favorable. HCQ releasing was 75% in the simulated human blood environment (pH = 7.4) at 37°C within 5 hours. The release behavior of nano‐carrier can be described by the Korsmeyer‐Peppas model and a Fickian diffusion mechanism occurred (n = 0.5, R2 = 0.9777).

The quest for a better fight: How can nanomaterials address the current therapeutic and diagnostic obstacles in the fight against COVID-19?

“…This novel formulation can increase HQC efficacy and safety by enhancing its lung exposure and half-life in lungs, while reducing its systemic exposure [ 34 ]. Another study, also evaluated the potential of magnetic delivery of HQC, by a Fe 3 O 4- -based biocompatible nanocarrier [ 35 ].…”

Nanoscience versus Viruses: The SARS‐CoV‐2 Case

“…[215,[243][244][245] A vast number of promising nanocarrier-based antiviral treatments are currently under investigation to address the limitations of conventional therapy related to heterogeneous drug biodistribution and intracellular trafficking-cell-specific targeting and molecular transport to specific organelles. [246][247][248][249] In order to facilitate the development and clinical translation of all the most perspective solutions, in 2000 the U.S. National Science and Technology Council launched the National Nanotechnology Initiative and defined the greatest challenges regarding the application of nanoparticles in diagnostics and the treatment of infectious and civilization diseases.…”

“…In addition, aerosol‐generating procedures such as nebulization should be performed very carefully in patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 due to the high risk of contagiousness through the respiratory system. [ 321 ] Sadr et al [ 246 ] synthesized a novel porous nanocarrier based on the magnetic Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles, utilizing 3‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane as intermediate, and pectin biocompatible polymer for adsorption and release of hydroxychloroquine. It was shown that 32% of hydroxychloroquine was released from the vehicle surface within 90 min reaching 75% after 5 h in a simulated human blood environment (pH 7.4) at 37 °C.…”

pH responsive Fe3O4@GT/PVA nanocomposite for drug release of hydroxychloroquine sulfate (HCQ)

“…Magnetic nanocomposites are a new area of research on superparamagnetic nanomaterials for the targeted drug delivery using an external eld. Supermagnetic Fe 3 O 4 NPs can be an important component of magnetic nanocomposites due to properties such as targeted transfer, local hyperthermia treatment, and contrast enhancement for magnetic resonance imaging [9]. Hydrogels can be used as a second component of these nanocomposites, which can trap the drug in their network structure and release the drug due to the high water absorption [10,11].…”

“…Nano-carriers based on Fe 3 O 4 have also been used as a suitable carrier of this drug (for example Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @GLYMO@pectin). Due to their good magnetic properties, they can deliver the drug to the desired location with an external magnetic eld [9]. In this project, hydrogel of poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) and tragacanth gum (TG) has been used for the targeted drug delivery system.…”