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Biofunctionalization of Magnetic Nanomaterials
Published on: July 16, 2020
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Biodegradable functionalized magnetite nanoparticles as binary-targeting carrier for breast carcinoma
Magda Ali Akl1, Amira Mostafa Kamel2, Mahmoud Ahmed Abd El-Ghaffar2
1Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt. magdaakl@yahoo.com.
BMC Chemistry
|February 14, 2023
Summary
Superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles (SPMNPs) were functionalized with citrate and coated with chitosan to create a pH-sensitive nanocarrier for Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX). This new nanocarrier demonstrated enhanced cancer cell inhibition, particularly with an external magnet, while protecting normal cells.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles (SPMNPs) offer potential for targeted drug delivery.
- Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) is a widely used chemotherapy drug with limitations in delivery and side effects.
- Developing novel nanocarriers is crucial for improving cancer therapy efficacy and reducing toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel nanocarrier system using SPMNPs for enhanced Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) delivery.
- To functionalize SPMNPs with tri-sodium citrate and coat them with chitosan for biodegradability and pH-sensitive release.
- To evaluate the in vitro efficacy of the developed nanocarrier (Cs/DOX/Cit-MNPs) against human breast cancer cells (MCF7).
Main Methods:
- SPMNPs were functionalized with tri-sodium citrate and conjugated with DOX via an imine bond.
- The DOX-conjugated nanoparticles were coated with chitosan to form Cs/DOX/Cit-MNPs.
- Characterization included FTIR, TEM, and measurement of saturation magnetization.
- In vitro drug release studies were conducted at pH 5.5 and 7.4.
- Cytotoxicity assays were performed on MCF7 cancer cells with and without an external magnetic field.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of Cs/DOX/Cit-MNPs with spherical nanostructures (approx. 40 nm) and a saturation magnetization of 59 emu/g.
- Demonstrated pH-sensitive DOX release: 75% at pH 5.5 and 28.6% at pH 7.4.
- Achieved 76% cancer cell inhibition without a magnet and 98% with an external magnet after 72 hours.
- The nanocarrier showed sustained release and improved cancer cell inhibition compared to free DOX, with better protection for normal WISH cells.
Conclusions:
- Chitosan-coated, citrate-functionalized magnetite nanoparticles serve as an effective nanocarrier for DOX.
- The developed system exhibits pH-sensitive drug release and enhanced magnetic targeting for cancer therapy.
- Cs/DOX/Cit-MNPs show significant potential for improved breast cancer treatment with reduced side effects.
