Producing PLGA fine particles containing high magnetite nanoparticles by using the electrospray technique

Loading magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles (NPs), extensively using magnetic agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and drug delivery in a matrix of polymeric fine particles (FPs), can optimize not only the delivery of these diagnostic and therapeutic agents but also the design of multifunctional drugs. In an effort to use a new method for producing high magnetite loaded polymeric particles, oleic acid (OA) capped magnetite NPs were synthesized and loaded into biocompatible and biodegradable FPs of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) by using the electrospray (ES) technique; and the effect of voltage, flow rate and magnetite content on the morphology, size, size distribution, uniformity and magnetic properties of fabricated magnetic FPs (MFPs) were studied. Results of SEM images and calculations showed that solution flow rate is a major factor in ES and the particle size of magnetite loaded PLGA FPs increases considerably as the flow rate increases. Particle size did not change considerably due to an increase in voltage; however, particle uniformity first increased and then decreased due to an increase in flow rate or voltage. High magnetite content of 72% was achieved for magnetite loaded PLGA FPs and an increase in the magnetite content resulted in an increase in the saturation magnetization of magnetite loaded PLGA FPs; though, their sphericity decreased.