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Updated: Feb 8, 2026
In Vitro and In Vivo Delivery of Magnetic Nanoparticle Hyperthermia Using a Custom-Built Delivery System
Published on: July 2, 2020
ROS-induced HepG2 cell death from hyperthermia using magnetic hydroxyapatite nanoparticles
Chun-Ting Yang1,2, Keng-Yuan Li1, Fan-Qi Meng3
1Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University, No1, Section 1, Jen-Ai Rd., Taipei 100, Taiwan.
Abstract:
HepG2 cell death with magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) using hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (mHAPs) and alternating magnetic fields (AMF) was investigated in vitro. The mHAPs were synthesized as thermo-seeds by co-precipitation with the addition of Fe2+. The grain size of the HAPs and iron oxide magnetic were 39.1 and 19.5 nm and were calculated by the Scherrer formula. The HepG2 cells were cultured with mHAPs and exposed to an AMF for 30 min yielding maximum temperatures of 43 ± 0.5 °C. After heating, the cell viability was reduced by 50% relative to controls, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentrations measured in media were three-fold greater than those measured in all control groups. Readouts of toxicity by live/dead staining were consistent with cell viability and LDH assay results. Measured reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells exposed to MHT were two-fold greater than in control groups. Results of cDNA microarray and Western blotting revealed tantalizing evidence of ATM and GADD45 downregulation with possible MKK3/MKK6 and ATF-2 of p38 MAPK inhibition upon exposure to mHAPs and AMF combinations. These results suggest that the combination of mHAPs and AMF can increase intracellular concentrations of ROS to cause DNA damage, which leads to cell death that complement heat stress related biological effects.
Insights
Magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) using magnetic hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (mHAPs) and alternating magnetic fields (AMF) induced HepG2 cell death. This cancer therapy approach increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage, leading to significant cell death.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) is an emerging cancer therapy.
- Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAPs) can be functionalized for MHT applications.
- Investigating the efficacy and mechanisms of MHT using novel nanomaterials is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro efficacy of MHT using magnetic hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (mHAPs) and alternating magnetic fields (AMF) on HepG2 cells.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of cell death induced by this combination therapy.
- To evaluate the potential of mHAPs as thermo-seeds for MHT.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of mHAPs via co-precipitation with Fe2+.
- In vitro culture of HepG2 cells with mHAPs followed by AMF exposure.
- Assessment of cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, live/dead staining, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, cDNA microarray, and Western blotting.
Main Results:
- MHT treatment with mHAPs and AMF reduced HepG2 cell viability by 50% and increased LDH levels threefold.
- ROS concentrations were elevated twofold in MHT-treated cells compared to controls.
- Evidence of ATM and GADD45 downregulation and potential inhibition of p38 MAPK signaling pathway was observed.
Conclusions:
- The combination of mHAPs and AMF effectively induces HepG2 cell death through MHT.
- This therapeutic approach enhances intracellular ROS production, leading to DNA damage and cell death.
- mHAPs show promise as effective thermo-seeds for MHT in cancer treatment.
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