Taguchi method optimization for synthesis of Fe3O4 @chitosan/Tragacanth Gum nanocomposite as a drug delivery system.

Polysaccharides as natural hydrogels provide a promising strategy to prepare stimuli responsive drug carriers in pharmaceutical industries. In this work, Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) functionalized with (3-amino propyl) triethoxy silane (APTES) and coated by Chitosan (CS) and Tragacanth Gum (TG) to encapsulate curcumin. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized using FT-IR, FE-SEM, EDX and XRD analysis. Taguchi Method (L9) with 3 levels and 4 variables was used to optimize the effect of concentration of Fe3O4@APTES, TG: CS ratio, nanocomposite weight, and curcumin weight on the drug loading. The release behaviour of curcumin was further studied in two different pH 7.4 and 3.4 and at temperatures 37 °C and 40 °C. The nanocomposite showed a higher swelling ratio at pH 3.4 and temperature 40 °C with good pH and thermosensitive in vitro drug release profiles. The results indicate that the nanocomposite has a good potential for delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs.