Polymer coated iron oxide nanorods and methods of making and use thereof

Abstract

Described are coated iron oxide nanorods (IONRs) containing an iron oxide core and a coating surrounding the core, and pharmaceutical compositions containing these coated IONRs. The iron oxide core of the coated IONRs has strong magnetic property, i.e., a magnetic flux density of at least 10 emu/g, induced using 1 T magnetizing field strength, at room temperature. The coating of the coated IONRs can be formed by a polymer, such as an amphiphilic polymer. The coated IONRs are stable in an aqueous medium for at least 30 mins, at room temperature, while maintain the superior magnetic property of the core, achieving a separation efficiency of at least 80% within only 1 min of magnet time. Optionally, the coated IONRs contain one or more active agents embedded in the coating of the coated IONRs, for systemic or local delivery.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.