Curcumin Targeted Drug Delivery Using Iron Oxide Nanoparticle Incorporated Magnetic Responsive Carboxymethyl Cellulose Hydrogel

Abstract

In recent years, magnetic-responsive hydrogels, alongside other smart hydrogel materials, have emerged as a focal point of research owing to their exceptional responsive properties and their wide array of biomedical applications. This study introduces an innovative approach involving the use of a biocompatible, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hydrogel crosslinked with non-toxic fumaric acid and loaded with iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄) as a novel carrier for magnetic-responsive curcumin drug delivery. Structural characterization of the CMC hydrogel and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles was conducted through rigorous analysis, utilizing techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. Our results indicate an intriguing inverse relationship between Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle concentration and the swelling ratio of the hydrogel, revealing an interesting relationship between nanoparticle concentration and hydrogel properties. Furthermore, our investigation revealed that the 3.3% Fe₃O₄-loaded magnetic CMC hydrogel exhibited a notably higher curcumin release percentage in comparison to other magnetic CMC hydrogel formulations. This underscores the efficacy of our magnetic CMC hydrogel nanocomposite as a vehicle for curcumin drug delivery, especially when subjected to external magnetic field stimulation. Significantly, our data substantiates that the presence of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles within the hydrogel network results in a sustained and prolonged release of curcumin when exposed to magnetic stimulation and underscores the potential of magnetic CMC hydrogel nanocomposites as a promising platform for controlled drug delivery.