Sonochemical synthesis and swelling behavior of Fe3O4 nanocomposite based on poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogel for drug delivery application

The addition of magnetic nanoparticles gives unique properties to hydrogels. Magnetic-sensitive gels have various applications in targeted drug delivery, separation, and sensing. One of the most advantageous aspects of using magnetic nanoparticles is their ability to respond to remote control by an external magnetic field. Microgels loaded with magnetic nanoparticles enhance control in magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, these materials change the rate of hydrogel swelling in the magnetic field. In this study, we report a novel type of magnetite nanocomposite based on poly (acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogel by simple, cost effective, and eco-friendly process in a viscous medium containing glycerol at room temperature. For this purpose, first, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized through sedimentation process. The final nanocomposite was efficiently obtained in a short reaction time under ultrasonic irradiation at room temperature and the absence of chemical initiator. The SEM images show a uniform distribution of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in the hydrogel matrix with a morphology similar to cubic crystalline lattices. The swelling behavior of the prepared magnetite nanocomposites were investigated in three different mediums and showed a fast initial swelling followed by a mild increase until attaining equilibrium. The highest and the lowest swelling was obtained in pure water and under pressure, respectively. Also, the absorption and release of two drugs, fluvoxamine and ciprofloxacin, were studied in a phosphate buffer solution at 37 degrees C to investigate the efficiency of entitled sonochemical prepared hydrogel nanocomposite in drug delivery field.