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Novel Methacrylate-Based Multilayer Nanofilms with Incorporated FePt-Based Nanoparticles and the Anticancer Drug
Kristijan Skok1,2, Tanja Zidarič1, Kristjan Orthaber1
1Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia.
Abstract:
Despite medical advances, skin-associated disorders continue to pose a unique challenge to physicians worldwide. Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, with more than one million new cases reported each year. Currently, surgical excision is its primary treatment; however, this can be impractical or even contradictory in certain situations. An interesting potential alternative could lie in topical treatment solutions. The goal of our study was to develop novel multilayer nanofilms consisting of a combination of polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate (PHEMA), polyhydroxypropyl methacrylate (PHPMA), sodium deoxycholate (NaDOC) with incorporated superparamagnetic iron-platinum nanoparticles (FePt NPs), and the potent anticancer drug (5-fluorouracil), for theranostic skin cancer treatment. All multilayer systems were prepared by spin-coating and characterised by atomic force microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and contact angle measurement. The magnetic properties of the incorporated FePt NPs were evaluated using magnetisation measurement, while their size was determined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Drug release performance was tested in vitro, and formulation safety was evaluated on human-skin-derived fibroblasts. Finally, the efficacy for skin cancer treatment was tested on our own basal-cell carcinoma cell line.
Insights
Researchers developed novel multilayer nanofilms for skin cancer theranostics. These films incorporate magnetic nanoparticles and 5-fluorouracil, showing promise for topical skin cancer treatment and diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Skin cancer presents a significant global health challenge, with surgical excision often being the primary treatment.
- Limitations of current treatments necessitate the exploration of innovative therapeutic strategies, such as topical drug delivery systems.
- Theranostics, combining therapy and diagnostics, offers a promising avenue for improved skin cancer management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel multilayer nanofilms for theranostic skin cancer treatment.
- To incorporate superparamagnetic iron-platinum nanoparticles (FePt NPs) and 5-fluorouracil into a polymer matrix for targeted drug delivery.
- To evaluate the characteristics, safety, and efficacy of the developed nanofilms for basal-cell carcinoma treatment.
Main Methods:
- Multilayer nanofilms were fabricated using poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA), poly(hydroxypropyl methacrylate) (PHPMA), and sodium deoxycholate (NaDOC).
- Superparamagnetic iron-platinum nanoparticles (FePt NPs) and 5-fluorouracil were incorporated into the nanofilms.
- Characterization included atomic force microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, magnetisation measurements, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
- In vitro drug release, safety assessment on human fibroblasts, and efficacy testing on a basal-cell carcinoma cell line were performed.
Main Results:
- The multilayer nanofilms were successfully prepared and characterized, demonstrating the successful incorporation of FePt NPs and 5-fluorouracil.
- Magnetic properties of FePt NPs and their size distribution were confirmed.
- In vitro studies indicated controlled drug release and good safety profiles on human fibroblasts.
- Preliminary efficacy testing showed potential for skin cancer treatment on a basal-cell carcinoma cell line.
Conclusions:
- The developed multilayer nanofilms show potential as a theranostic platform for topical skin cancer treatment.
- The combination of magnetic nanoparticles and anticancer drugs offers a promising approach for targeted therapy and potential diagnostics.
- Further in vivo studies are warranted to validate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of these novel nanofilms for skin cancer management.
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