Magnetically responsive hydrogels, towards magnetically controlled drug release from thermosensitive hydrogels

Abstract

Hydrogels are often applied in biomedical systems for controlled drug release. Depending on specific polymer compositions, the release behavior can be controlled by the application of external stimuli. We prepared novel magnetically responsive macroscopic hydrogels by combining purpose-made thermoresponsive polymers with size-tuned superparamagnetic nanoparticles. The nanoparticles can be made to produce heat using a home built high-frequency electromagnet, and reversible shrinking of the ferrogels as a function of temperature was realized.