Toxicity and Biodistribution of Activated and Non-activated Intravenous Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Nanoparticles are increasingly used in medical treatments, necessitating safety evaluations.
• Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) are candidates for various biomedical applications.
• Understanding IONP behavior in vivo is crucial for clinical translation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety and biodistribution of dextran-coated IONP in mice.
• To investigate the influence of alternating current magnetic fields (AMF) on IONP effects.
• To evaluate IONP toxicity at different concentrations and time points.

Main Methods:

• Intravenous administration of three concentrations of dextran-coated IONP to mice.
• Exposure of some groups to AMF at clinically relevant levels.
• Analysis of iron biodistribution, serum biochemistry, and histology (Prussian blue, H&E) in various organs.
• Assessment at 4 hours, 7 days, and 14 days post-injection.

Main Results:

• IONP primarily accumulated in the liver and spleen.
• Minor, transient elevations in liver enzymes and hepatocyte vacuolization were observed at all concentrations.
• No systemic or local toxicity, or adverse health effects were detected in any group, with or without AMF exposure.
• Histological analysis confirmed iron deposition in the liver and spleen.

Conclusions:

• Dextran-coated IONP demonstrate a favorable safety profile in mice at the tested concentrations.
• AMF exposure did not induce additional toxicity.
• The liver and spleen are the main organs for IONP clearance.
• Further research may support the clinical application of these IONP.