Magnetite Nanoparticles Encapsulated with PCL and Poloxamer by Nano Spray Drying Technique

Polymeric particles loaded with biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles are promising platforms to perform therapy and diagnostic of diseases, acting as the so called theranostic agents. In this work, magnetite nanoparticles were synthesized by coprecipitation method and encapsulated with Polycaprolactone (PCL) and Poloxamer 188 polymers through the innovative Nano Spray Drying technique. X-Ray Diffraction and Infrared Spectroscopy confirmed that the formed particles are composed by PCL, Poloxamer and magnetite, with amount of magnetite determined as 3% by Thermogravimetric Analysis. Particles present a superparamagnetic-like behaviour at 300 K, having negligible coercivity. Dynamic Light Scattering and Scanning Electron Microscopy indicated that the hydrodynamic diameters are of 49 nm for magnetite nanoparticles and of approximately 600 nm for encapsulated particles, with aspect analogous to a “nanocookie” of a PCL/Poloxamer blend with magnetite nanoparticles embedded in it. Cytotoxicity assays presented IC 50 superior to 2.5 mg/mL for healthy cells and a higher viability of cancer cells in comparison to control, suggesting that the particles may have affinity for tumours, which can be useful for the intended biological applications.