Nanoplatforms of Manganese Ferrite Nanoparticles Functionalized with Anti‐Inflammatory Drugs

Targeted drug delivery by magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is at the leading edge of the rapidly developed methods for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. Functionalization of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) onto MNP‐based platforms constitutes a challenging endeavor, as it is based on the physicochemical characteristics of the final carrier/system. MnFe2O4 MNPs of relatively small size and enhanced magnetization with aminated (AmMNPs) and non‐aminated (Non‐AmMNPs) surface were prepared solvothermally in the presence of octadecylamine(ODA) through synthetic variations. Three nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), mefenamic acid (MEF) and Naproxen (NAP), of different pharmacochemical properties, were used for the loading of the nanoplatforms. In the case of AmMNPs, attachment of the NSAIDs was achieved by direct coupling of carboxylate donors with the NH2 groups via the formation of an amide bond, whereas indirect coupling of the drugs through encapsulation was applied on Non‐AmMNPs by taking advantage of the PEGylation approach. FT‐IR and UV/Vis data confirmed the distinct drug release behavior, which is attributed to different cross‐linking forces depending on the method of functionalization. The biological behavior and anti‐inflammatory activity of the MNPs@NSAIDs was evaluated in vitro; AmMNPs@ASA inhibited lipoxygenase (LOX) and protected albumin denaturation with values comparable with those of NSAIDs.