Magnetic nanoparticles for highly robust, facile and efficient loading of metal-based drugs

Direct interaction between iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs), modified with polyethylene glycol and an ionic liquid, and activated cisplatin drug resulted in a fast and high drug loading (up to 0.17 mol of platinum per gram of iron), and the payload does not strongly affect the magnetic properties of IONs and resists protein adsorption in human serum environment. For another, developmental metal-based drug, tris(8-quinolinolato)gallium(III), binding to the IONs allowed for overcoming the disadvantages of low solubility and incompatibility with intravenous administration. The potential of IONs as a magnetic nanoformulation for smart drug delivery has been confirmed by the release of both metallodrugs under conditions relevant to cancer cytosol. [Display omitted] •Bifunctionalized magnetic nanoparticles are proposed as a magnetic drug delivery vehicle.•Ionic liquid decoration provides a fast and efficient loading of metallodrugs.•Drug loading does not impair the magnetic properties of particles.•Payload was shown stable in human serum environment.•In vitro drug release proves effective under conditions relevant to cancer cytosol.