Synthesis of Manganese Ferrite (MnFe2O4) & Cobalt Ferrite (CoFe2O4) Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Applications

Abstract

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential to enhance drug efficacy, reduce side effects, and enable targeted therapeutic interventions. This thesis focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and biomedical applications of gelatin-coated Cobalt and Manganese Ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe2O4 and MnFe2O4) as versatile platforms for drug delivery. The synthesis was carried out using a co-precipitation method, yielding monodisperse nanoparticles with controlled sizes. The subsequent coating of these nanoparticles with gelatin, a biocompatible polymer, aimed to improve their stability, biocompatibility, and potential for drug encapsulation. Various characterization techniques were employed to assess the structural, morphological, and magnetic properties of the synthesized nanoparticles. X-ray Diffraction XRD confirmed the formation of spinel crystal structures, while Scanning Electron Microscopy SEM and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy EDS revealed the size distribution and elemental composition. Fourier Transform Infrared FTIR and Raman spectroscopy elucidated the surface functional groups and molecular interactions. Vibrating Sample Magnetometry VSM provided insights into the magnetic behavior of the nanoparticles. To explore the nanoparticles' potential for drug delivery, ciprofloxacin, a model drug, was loaded onto the gelatin-coated nanoparticles. The drug release kinetics were evaluated in vitro to understand the controlled drug release profile. Moreover, the biocompatibility of the coated nanoparticles was assessed using a hemolysis assay, which gauged their impact on red blood cells. The findings of this research showcase the successful synthesis of gelatin-coated CoFe2O4 and MnFe2O4 nanoparticles through co-precipitation. The comprehensive characterization efforts shed light on their structural and magnetic properties, along with their interactions with the gelatin coating. The drug loading and release studies suggest the potential of these nanoparticles as effective drug carriers. The hemolysis assay results indicate their biocompatibility, further supporting their suitability for biomedical applications. Collectively, this work contributes to the advancement of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems and lays the foundation for future studies focusing on targeted drug delivery and therapeutic interventions.