Superparamagnetic functional C@Fe3O4 nanoflowers: development and application in acetaminophen delivery

Abstract

Fe₃O₄ nanoflowers (NFs) were synthesized via an aqueous solution method and coated with carbon through an in situ carbonization process. The synthesized C@Fe₃O₄ composites were further modified with strong oxidizing agents, forming functional C@Fe₃O₄ (FCF) flower-like composites with porous superstructure. Finally, the stable composites were used in the drug delivery test under ambient conditions; the amount of acetaminophen adsorption on the composite can weigh up to 25.07% in 3 h. The FCF composites show excellent porosity (165.23 m² g⁻¹) and magnetic properties (24.33 emu g⁻¹). The –COOH, CO and –OH groups in the composites could be used for interaction with biomolecules that contain –OH, CO and –NH₂ groups. Therefore, the composite exhibits a sustained release model, with release rates of 51% in the first 6 h and 73% in 12 h. This special character gives the composites potential to be used in magnetic bio-separation and drug/gene delivery. The findings in this study are useful for the engineering design of porous iron oxide coated with functional carbon that is used for medical delivery applications and other biomedical devices.