Studies on the effects of magnetic nanoparticles on calcium alginate

• Main Author: Quek, Davin Chin Kuan.
• Other Authors: School of Materials Science and Engineering
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Materials::Biomaterials
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/48630
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The interaction between calcium alginate and SuperParaMagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticle (SPION) were investigated. The microcapsules properties were studied through pH dependent degradation, mechanical compression, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). With increased presence of SPION, alginate microcapsules are mechanically strengthened and become more stable in terms of degradation generally. In the event whereby microcapsules need to be dried completely before application, addition of small amounts of SPION helps to reduce surface cracks that could accelerate degradation, while maintaining the overall shape. These enhancements will find wide industrial application as the “lifetime” of the microcapsules are increased and allow longer drug release in the body.