Backgorund:
Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have been extensively used for
targeted drug delivery systems due to their unique magnetic properties.
Objective:
In this study, it’s
aimed to develop a novel targeted 99mTc radiolabeled polymeric drug delivery system for
Gemcitabine (GEM). Methods: Gemcitabine, an anticancer agent, was encapsulated into polymer
nanoparticles (PLGA) together with iron oxide nanoparticles via double emulsion technique and
then labeled with 99mTc. SPIONs were synthesized by reduction–coprecipitation method and
encapsulated with oleic acid for surface modification. Size distribution and the morphology of the
synthesized nanoparticles were caharacterized by dynamic light scattering(DLS)and scanning
electron microscopy(SEM), respectively. Radiolabeling yield of SPION-PLGAGEM nanoparticles
were determined via Thin Layer Radio Chromatography (TLRC). Cytotoxicity of GEM loaded
SPION-PLGA were investigated on MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 breast cancer cells in vitro.
Results:
SEM images displayed that the average size of the drug-free nanoparticles was 40 nm and the size of
the drug-loaded nanoparticles was 50 nm. The diameter of nanoparticles were determined as 366.6
nm by DLS, while zeta potential was found as-29 mV. SPION was successfully coated with PLGA,
which was confirmed by FTIR. GEM encapsulation efficiency of SPION-PLGA was calculated as
4±0.16 % by means of HPLC. Radiolabeling yield of SPION-PLGA-GEM nanoparticles were
determined as 97.8±1.75 % via TLRC. Cytotoxicity of GEM loaded SPION-PLGA were
investigated on MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 breast cancer cells. SPION-PLGA-GEM showed high
uptake on MCF-7, whilst incorporation rate was increased for both cell lines which external
magnetic field application.
Conclusion:
99mTc labeled SPION-PLGA nanoparticles loaded with
GEM may overcome some of the obstacles in anti-cancer drug delivery because of their appropriate
size, non-toxic, and supermagnetic characteristics.