Multi-responsive Silica Coated and β-Cyclodextrin Modified Magnetic Nanoparticles: Propolis Adsorption and Delivery

Silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles (SiMNPs) have gained substantial attention, particularly in biomedicine, food science, and nanoengineering research. Herein, we presented a novel pH and magnetic field-responsive SiMNPs functionalized with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) possessing important functionalities: magnetism, propolis delivery, phenolic adsorption. The effects of the grafted β-CD and the use of glutaraldehyde as a crosslinker were first compared with control nanoparticles in terms of particle size, zeta potential and morphology. Propolis acting as a phenolic source and anticancer agent, was immobilized into β-CD grafted SiMNPs and then its release was monitored at different pH values (1.2, 6.8, 7.4) at 37 °C. Controlled drug release was achieved by giving the highest release rates at acidic media. On the other hand, total phenolic content was found to be very low in acidic medium, but the highest antioxidant activity was obtained in the same environment. As a food application, with/out β-CD coating onto SiMNPs were also assessed for its efficacy in adsorbing propolis from aqueous solutions, offering a convenient and magnetically-assisted removal method as a noteworthy advantage. The results highlight potential utilization of proposed inclusion complexes for the treatments in biomedical field and magnetic separation in food industry.