Multifunctional Composites Based on Graphite Oxide, Doxorubicin, and Magnetic Nanoparticles for Targeted Drug Delivery

Abstract

This work is dedicated to the synthesis of a GO@Fe₃O₄@DOX multifunctional nanocomposite composed of graphite oxide, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, and the drug doxorubicin. The final product combines double magnetic and molecular targeting to tumor tissues. Superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles are first chemically deposited onto a surface of graphite oxide (GO) with the acquisition of a double GO@Fe₃O₄ composite. The material is then bound with the antitumor drug doxorubicin. The morphology, phase composition, and magnetic and optical properties of synthesized samples are characterized via thermal gravimetry, X-ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility measurements, transmission electron microscopy, and via UV-visible and Raman spectroscopy. The optimal ratio of graphite oxide, iron oxide, and doxorubicin for the creation of a potential precursor of the new drug is established. The presence of doxorubicin and iron oxide in the composite is confirmed, making it possible to use an external magnetic field for targeted drug delivery towards the affected tissues. It is also shown that the composite retains its stability for a month in solutions with physiological pH values.