Abstract
Background: The utilization of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe(3)O(4) NPs) to control minocycline release rates from poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) scaffolds fabricated from an easy/economical technique is presented. Results & methodology: A larger change in temperature and amount of minocycline released was observed for scaffolds with higher amounts of Fe(3)O(4) NPs, demonstrating that nanoparticle concentration can control heat generation and minocycline release. Temperatures near a polymer's glass transition temperature can result in the polymer's chain becoming more mobile and thus increasing drug diffusion out of the scaffold. Elevated temperature and minocycline released from the scaffold can work synergistically to enhance glioblastoma cell death. Conclusion: This study suggests that Fe(3)O(4) NPs are promising materials for controlling minocycline release from polymeric scaffolds by magnetic hyperthermia for the treatment of glioblastoma.