Polydopamine conjugated SiO₂ nanoparticles as potential drug carriers for melanoma treatment

Silica nanoparticles (SiO₂) are increasingly investigated for biomedical applications. Aim: This study aimed to analyze the potential use of a SiO₂ nanoparticles coated with biocompatible polydopamine (SiO₂@PDA) as a potential chemotherapeutic drug carrier. Materials & methods: SiO₂ morphology and PDA adhesion was analyzed by dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. Cytotoxicity studies and morphology analyses (immunofluorescence, scanning and transmission electron microscopy) were used to assess the cellular reaction to the SiO₂@PDA nanoparticles and to identify a biocompatible (safe use) window. Results & conclusion: Concentrations above 10 μg/ml and up to 100 μg/ml SiO₂@PDA showed the best biocompatibility on human melanoma cells at 24 h and represent a potential drug carrier template for targeted melanoma cancer treatment.