Cytocompatibility of pH-sensitive, chitosan-coated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles in gynecological cells

Nanoparticles that contact human cells without damaging basic human tissues are becoming more widely used in medicine. Efficient delivery to the intracellular target cell or compartment through the cell membrane must be achieved with minimal cytotoxicity to healthy cells. Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles have been widely used in biomedical research for their magnetic, non-toxic, and biocompatible properties. However, the effects of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles coated with chitosan (CS) on gynecological cells are unclear. In this study, the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were coated with CS to enhance their cytocompatibility and dispersion in water. These CS-Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were taken up by gynecological cells and did not affect cell viability in vitro. They have greater cytocompatibility in acidic environments than normal Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and have the potential for drug delivery into gynecological cells.