APTES-functionalized Gd_0.18Fe_2.82O₄@SiO₂ nanocarrier for magnetothermal-triggered doxorubicin release

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems are crucial for controlled cancer therapy.
• Externally regulated platforms offer improved treatment controllability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop APTES-functionalized Gd0.18Fe2.82O4@SiO2 core-shell nanoparticles for pH- and magnetically responsive doxorubicin (DOX) delivery.
• To evaluate the drug loading, release kinetics, and in vitro efficacy of the developed system.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of core-shell nanoparticles.
• Doxorubicin loading and in vitro release studies at varying pH.
• Evaluation of drug release under alternating magnetic field (AMF) induced hyperthermia.
• In vitro cytotoxicity assays on HepG2 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines.

Main Results:

• Nanoparticles exhibited quasi-spherical morphology, mesoporous silica shells, and good colloidal stability.
• High DOX loading efficiency (82.6%) achieved at pH 7.4, following pseudo-second-order kinetics.
• Enhanced DOX release under acidic conditions and rapid, externally regulated release upon AMF exposure.
• Negligible intrinsic toxicity of the carrier; DOX-loaded nanoparticles showed significant concentration-dependent cytotoxicity.
• AMF-induced hyperthermia led to temperature-dependent cell death, exceeding 90% viability loss at 55 °C.

Conclusions:

• The Gd0.18Fe2.82O4@SiO2/APTES/DOX system is a promising pH- and AMF-responsive platform for targeted cancer therapy.
• The system enables controlled doxorubicin release and enhanced cytotoxicity through chemo-magnetic treatment.
• This approach supports the potential for advanced, externally regulated cancer treatment strategies.