Magnetic
nanocomposite particle (MNP)-induced hyperthermia therapy
has been restricted by inefficient cellular targeting. pH-responsive
charge-conversional MNPs can enhance selective cellular uptake in
acidic cells like tumors by sensing extracellular acidity based on
their charge alteration. We have synthesized new, pH-induced charge-conversional,
superparamagnetic, and single-cored Fe3O4 nanocomposite
particles coated by N-itaconylated chitosan (NICS)
cross-linked with ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDE) (Fe3O4-NICS-EGDE) using a simple, one-step chemical
coprecipitation–coating process. The surface of the Fe3O4-NICS-EGDE nanocomposite particles was modified
with ethanolamine (EA) via aza-Michael addition to enhance their buffering
capacity, aqueous stability, and pH sensitivity. The designed Fe3O4-NICS-EGDE-EA nanocomposite particles showed
pH-dependent charge-conversional properties, colloidal stability,
and excellent hemocompatibility in physiological media. By contrast,
the charge-conversional properties enabled microwave-induced hemolysis
only under weakly acidic conditions. Therefore, the composite particles
are highly feasible for magnetically induced and targeted cellular
thermotherapeutic applications.