Carboxymethyl Assam Bora rice starch coated SPIONs: Synthesis, characterization and in vitro localization in a micro capillary for simulating a targeted drug delivery system

Carboxymethyl Assam Bora rice starch coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (CM-ABRS SPIONs) were chemically synthesized by co-precipitation method and particle size reduction was controlled by high energy homogenization process. Effects of various process variables (polymer concentration, homogenization speed and cycles) were optimized on the basis of average particle size (Z-average) and polydispersity index (PDI) of CM-ABRS SPIONs. The optimized CM-ABRS SPIONs were characterized for their particle size, surface morphology, electrokinetic potential, chemical interactions, crystallinity, magnetic properties, and targeting potential in presence of external magnetic field. In vitro localization of CM-ABRS SPIONs in a suspension of FITC (Fluorescein isothiocyanate) labeled RBCs (Red blood cells; hematocrit value; 45% (v/v)) was conducted inside a square glass capillary (500 × 500 μm2 cross section) in the presence of an externally applied magnetic field (Ms = 150 mT), simulating the case of magnetic drug targeting (MDT) approach. The aggregation dynamics of CM-ABRS SPIONs inside a micro capillary was observed with respect to time (t = 0 to 600 s), which shows proportionality to time of exposure to the externally applied magnetic field. This in vitro study acts as an important platform for design and optimization of active targeted drug delivery system. [Display omitted] •Carboxymethyl Assam Bora rice starch coated SPIONs were synthesized.•Effects of various process variables were optimized.•In vitro localization of SPIONs was conducted inside a square glass micro capillary.•Aggregation dynamics of SPIONs was observed with respect to time.