Sono-catalysis preparation and alternating magnetic field/glutathione-triggered drug release kinetics of core-shell magnetic micro-organogel

Microscale or nanoscale composite materials may be a promising carrier candidate to complete the loading and delivery for hydrophobic drugs. In our current study, novel magnetic micro-organogel with core-shell structure was successfully prepared by a sono-catalysis method. The as-synthesized magnetic micro-organogel had a well-defined spherical morphology, an appropriate stability in the aqueous media and a strong loading capability for hydrophobic drugs, and showed an excellent field-oriented ability for drug delivery which responded to the dosage of magnetic nanoparticles. By evaluating the ability to release the drugs, the magnetic micro-organogel displayed a good glutathione (GSH)-stimuli sensitivity since its protein shell was mainly formed by the sulfydryl crosslinking among BSA molecules, and also had a fine alternating magnetic field (AMF)-triggered releasing behavior owing to the thermo-reversible phase transition of its gel core. Furthermore, the kinetic studies discussed a few releasing mechanisms dependent on the redox effect and the magnetothermal performance. Thus, the magnetic micro-organogel would be a potential targeted carrier for dual-stimuli-responsive release of hydrophobic drugs.