A dual functional superparamagnetic system with pH-dependent drug release and hyperthermia potential for chemotherapeutic applications

A biodegradable, dual functional drug delivery system with superparamagnetic property (Ms: 50.1 emu g−1) for magnetic hyperthermia and tumour-specific pH-dependent drug delivery (loading capacity: 58 μg mg−1) has been designed with magnetically modulated nanocellulose. Increased site-specific bioavailability, effective magnetic hyperthermia potential and pH-responsive controlled release of Doxorubicin (Dox) have been accomplished with a single system, and hence, it is proposed as a multimodal therapeutic tool. [Display omitted] •pH responsive Dox release system from phosphorylated nanocellulose & superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles [PNC-IO-Dox].•PNC-IO-Dox exhibits Ms of 58 emu g−1 and is capable of eliciting magnetic hyperthermia potential.•PNC-IO-Dox is biocompatible and having significant internalization efficiency and favourable apoptotic mechanism.