Synthesis and evaluation of novel Docetaxel-loaded magnetic composites based on chitosan biotinylated derivative

This study describes a simple approach to obtain novel Docetaxel (DCX)-loaded magnetic composites, based on biotinylated N-palmitoyl chitosan and double-layered hydrophobic magnetite, using a combination of selfassembly and ionic gelation methods. Their physicochemical features (size, surface charge and composition) were determined by specific means. Magnetic composites exhibited a high saturation magnetization of 40 emu/g and superparamagnetic behaviour. In vitro investigations indicated their capacity to deliver DCX up to 72 h, to be biodegraded and cytotoxic on breast cancer cell lines.