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Updated: Nov 26, 2025

Using Magnetometry to Monitor Cellular Incorporation and Subsequent Biodegradation of Chemically Synthetized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Published on: February 27, 2021
Surface modifications affect iron oxide nanoparticles' biodistribution after multiple-dose administration in rats
Heba M Fahmy1, Taiseer M Abd El-Daim1, Omnia A Ali1
1Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
Surface-modified iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) show varying biodistribution and toxicity. Curcumin and chitosan-coated IONPs exhibit lower toxicity and liver accumulation compared to citrate-coated IONPs and ferrous sulfate.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are widely used in medicine due to their properties and biocompatibility.
- Surface modification of IONPs is crucial for enhancing biosafety in medical applications.
- Developing safe and effective nanoformulations requires understanding their in vivo behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vivo biodistribution and histopathological effects of different surface-modified IONPs.
- To compare the safety profiles of citrate-IONPs, curcumin-IONPs, and chitosan-IONPs.
- To assess the impact of capping agents on iron accumulation in organs.
Main Methods:
- Preparation and physicochemical characterization of citrate-IONPs, curcumin-IONPs, and chitosan-IONPs.
- Oral administration of nanoformulations and ferrous sulfate to Wistar rats for 10 days.
- Measurement of iron content in liver, kidneys, and spleen using atomic absorption spectroscopy.
- Histopathological examination of affected tissues.
Main Results:
- Iron primarily accumulated in the liver, with lowest accumulation observed for citrate-IONPs and chitosan-IONPs.
- Chitosan-IONPs showed the highest spleen iron accumulation.
- Ferrous sulfate treatment resulted in the highest kidney iron accumulation.
- Citrate-IONPs and ferrous sulfate induced predominant toxicity; curcumin-IONPs and chitosan-IONPs showed mild toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Surface modification significantly influences the biodistribution and toxicity of IONPs.
- Curcumin and chitosan coatings enhance the safety profile of IONPs.
- These findings provide crucial insights for the in vivo application of IONPs in medicine.
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