LAUSR

Abstract Uses of biopolymers for the development of nanocarriers are receiving significant attention due to its biocompatible and biodegradable nature. Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a well known medicinal plant and it is reported that the polysaccharides and limonoids present in the neem extract prevent the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. In this work, we have synthesized neem gum (NG) coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) based novel nanobiocomposite (Fe3O4@NG NBC) by simple sonochemical method and characterized it for structural, microstructural and magnetic properties. The morphology, structure, and magnetic properties of the prepared Fe3O4 NPs and Fe3O4@NG nanobiocomposite were investigated by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis. XRD pattern, TEM micrograph and FTIR spectra confirmed the successful coating of neem gum on Fe3O4 nanoparticles. IR spectra of Fe3O4@NG nanobiocomposite revealed the presence of specific bands corresponding to both neem gum and Fe3O4 NPs, which confirmed the formation of Fe3O4@NG NBC. The obtained size of Fe3O4@NG nanobiocomposite particles was ∼50–400 nm. VSM analysis confirmed the superparamagnetic nature of both Fe3O4 NPs and Fe3O4@NG nanobiocomposite. Fe3O4@NG nanobiocomposite was loaded with anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox) and its release behaviour was studied at pH 7.4 and 5. Faster release of Dox was observed in acidic environment. In vitro cytotoxicity of the prepared Fe3O4@NG NBC against human monocytic cell line THP‐1 was also studied by MTT assay. This novel Fe3O4@NG nanobiocomposite with low toxicity, biodegradability, water dispersability, excellent drug loading ability and good magnetic controllability could offer potential applications in biomedical field including targeted drug delivery for cancer diagnosis and treatment in near future.