Antitumor activity associated with hyperthermia and 4-nitrochalcone loaded in superparamagnetic poly(thioether-ester)...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Cancer Therapy

Background:

• Chemotherapy and hyperthermia show synergistic antitumor effects.
• Biocompatible polymers are crucial for co-delivering nanoparticles and drugs.
• Novel cancer treatment strategies are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize hybrid nanoparticles encapsulating magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and 4-nitrochalcone (4NC) using poly(thioether-ester) (PTEe).
• To evaluate the antitumor efficacy of these nanoparticles combined with hyperthermia.
• To assess the potential of this approach for cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Miniemulsification and solvent evaporation were used to create MNPs-4NC-PTEe hybrid nanoparticles.
• Nanoparticle characterization included size, morphology, surface charge, encapsulation efficiency, and superparamagnetism.
• In vitro cytotoxicity assays and cellular uptake studies were performed on cancer and normal cell lines.
• Hyperthermia was applied to evaluate its effect on nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery and efficacy.

Main Results:

• Hybrid nanoparticles (MNPs-4NC-PTEe) exhibited nanometer size, spherical shape, negative charge, and superparamagnetic properties.
• 4-nitrochalcone (4NC) release occurred via diffusion, with no observed cytotoxicity to normal cells.
• MNPs-4NC-PTEe showed significant antitumor activity against HeLa and B16F10 cancer cells.
• Hyperthermia application potentiated the antitumor effects of MNPs-4NC-PTEe, especially in HeLa cells, demonstrating enhanced efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Biodegradable PTEe is suitable for co-encapsulating MNPs and 4NC into hybrid nanoparticles.
• MNPs-4NC-PTEe nanoparticles combined with hyperthermia represent a promising strategy for targeted cancer therapy.
• This approach offers potential for enhanced antitumor activity with reduced systemic toxicity.