Synthesis of Pluronic F127 copolymer/iron oxide–GelMA nanocomposite for doxorubicin drug delivery

Abstract

In this study, a drug polymeric nanocarrier system consisting of Pluronic F127 copolymer/GelMA iron oxide nanoparticles was prepared to load and release doxorubicin. Various weight ratios of the polymer were tested to determine the highest drug entrapment rate and the optimal size of the composite. Results showed that the maximum rate of drug entrapment in the system was 57%. GelMA was synthesized and analyzed by FTIR and FESEM. Various weight ratios of gel were tested to determine an optimal concentration. The swelling rate and degradability of hydrogels were evaluated. It was found that GelMA with a concentration of 10% had more swelling and degradability. Therefore, it was chosen as the optimal concentration. Finally, the drug system was investigated using FTIR spectroscopy, FESEM, XRD, TGA and VSM. Results showed that the drug delivery system exhibited slow release and followed the Korsmeyer–Peppas mechanism.