Synthesis of multifunctional γ-PGA-based superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging and controlled drug release

The anionic, water soluble, biodegradable and biocompatible polymer, poly-γ-glutamic acid (7-PGA) was produced by a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain and converted into its nanomeric form for theranostic purpose. In this study, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) modified with γ-PGA was prepared by co-precipitation method, and the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded onto the polymer matrix. This complex assembles as spherical in shape with 82 nm particle size. We hypothesize that SPIONs could deliver the nanoparticle to the target site. The cationic DOX was loaded into the polymer matrix by electrostatic interactions with high loading efficiency and it was confirmed by fluorescence spectroscopy. This multifunctional nanomaterial could be used as the nanomedicine for drug delivery and also for the real time monitoring of the disease progress.