Superparamagnetic graphene oxide–Fe3O4 nanoparticles hybrid for controlled targeted drug carriers

A superparamagnetic graphene oxide –Fe3O4nanoparticles hybrid (GO–Fe3O4) was prepared via a simple and effective chemical precipitation method. The amount of loading of Fe3O4 on GO was estimated as 18.6 wt% by atomic absorption spectrometry. The hybrid was then loaded with doxorubicin hydrochloride (DXR) and the loading capacity was as high as 1.08 mg mg−1. Both of the GO–Fe3O4 hybrids before and after loading with DXR can be dispersed well in aqueous solution. They can congregate under acidic conditions and move regularly under the force of an external magnet. Furthermore, the aggregated hybrid can be redispersed to form a stable suspension under basic conditions. These properties make it a potential candidate for controlled targeted drug delivery and release.