Polymer–Magnetic Composite Fibers for Remote-Controlled Drug Release

An efficient method
is reported, for the fabrication of composite
microfibers that can be magnetically actuated and are biocompatible,
targeting controlled drug release. Aqueous solutions of polyvinyl
alcohol, incorporated with citric acid-coated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), are subject to infusion gyration
to generate 100–300 nm diameter composite fibers, with controllable
MNP loading. The fibers are stable in polar solvents, such as ethanol,
and do not show any leaching of MNPs for over 4 weeks. Using acetaminophen
as an example, we demonstrate that this material is effective in immobilization
and triggered release of drugs, which is achieved by a moving external
magnetic field. The remote actuation ability, coupled with biocompatibility
and lightweight property, renders enormous potential for these fibers
to be used as a smart drug release agent.