Optimization of Magnetic Nanoclusters for Quality Control, Drug Loading, and MRI Contrasting

Over the past decade, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have shown promising results in cancer-based therapeutics for drug delivery and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Utilizing biocompatible amphiphilic polymers, hydrophobic drugs and magnetic nanoparticles are co-encapsulated in micelles that are stable over time. This micelle allows for a controlled release of a drug. While simultaneous drug delivery and contrasting has shown some success, much optimization is required before this technology can be utilized in a clinical setting. Two current methods of forumation for MNPs include thin film rehydration and flash nanoprecipitation. Thin film rehydration is a more traditional lab based practice that is strictly manually done whereas flash nanoprecipitation is a newer method that has vast potential for automation. This study focuses on the refinement of magnetic nanoparticle technology for the parameters of MNP and drug encapsulation, particle size and polydispersity, and MRI contrasting capability through the utilization of differing polymers, encapsulation methods, and mixture ratios. Techniques used to test for these parameters include ICP mass spectrometry, dynamic light scattering, thermogravametric analysis, and absorption spectrometry. Thus far, findings have shown narrow size distributions and nanoparticle ratios for initial magnetic nanoparticle to polymer mixture ratios of 10% for all methods of F-127 and F-127/125 pluronic polymer formulations. In addition, superior drug encapsulation was found for the film rehydration method when compared to the flash nanoprecipitation method. Despite this, further study is recommended on flash nanoprecipitation in order to increase drug loading. Such findings will pave the way for automation in the creation of MNP technology and ultimately commercial application.