Carborane-Containing Iron Oxide@Gold Nanoparticles for Potential Application in Neutron Capture Therapy

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Cancer poses a significant global health burden, necessitating advanced therapeutic strategies.
• Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is a targeted cancer treatment that selectively eliminates tumor cells.
• Efficient delivery of boron to cancer cells is crucial for effective BNCT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize novel Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles functionalized with carborane for enhanced boron delivery in BNCT.
• To evaluate the stability, cellular uptake, and toxicity of the developed nanoparticles.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles followed by gold coating and APTES modification.
• Functionalization with a boron-containing carborane compound.
• Characterization using SEM, DLS, FTIR, EDX, BET, XRD, and TEM.
• In vitro studies including release assays, zeta potential measurements, toxicity tests, and cellular uptake by U251MG cells.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis and functionalization of Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles with carborane confirmed by comprehensive characterization.
• BET analysis indicated a surface area of 94.69 m²/g and pore volume of 0.51 cm³/g after carborane loading.
• Stable carborane retention on the nanoparticle surface was observed, with a stable zeta potential of -20 mV.
• The nanoparticles exhibited low toxicity and efficient accumulation in U251MG cancer cells.

Conclusions:

• The developed Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles effectively carry boron and gold, demonstrating potential as theranostic agents for BNCT.
• The nanoparticles show favorable characteristics for targeted cancer therapy, including stability, low toxicity, and efficient cellular uptake.