Glioma-targeted superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as drug-carrying vehicles for theranostic effects

Abstract

Multifunctional nanoparticles capable of the specific delivery of therapeutics to diseased cells and the real-time imaging of these sites have the potential to improve cancer treatment through personalized therapy. In this study, we have proposed a multifunctional nanoparticle that integrate magnetic targeting, drug-carrier functionality and real-time MRI imaging capabilities in one platform for the theranostic treatment of tumors. The multifunctional nanoparticle was designed with a superparamagnetic iron oxide core and a multifunctional shell composed of PEG/PEI/polysorbate 80 (Ps 80) and was used to encapsulate DOX. DOX-loaded multifunctional nanoparticles (DOX@Ps 80-SPIONs) with a Dh of 58.0 nm, a zeta potential of 28.0 mV, and a drug loading content of 29.3% presented superior superparamagnetic properties with a saturation magnetization (Ms) of 24.1 emu g(-1). The cellular uptake of DOX@Ps 80-SPIONs by C6 cells under a magnetic field was significantly enhanced over that of free DOX in solution, resulting in stronger in vitro cytotoxicity. The real-time therapeutic outcome of DOX@Ps 80-SPIONs was easily monitored by MRI. Furthermore, the negative contrast enhancement effect of the nanoparticles was confirmed in glioma-bearing rats. Prussian blue staining and ex vivo DOX fluorescence assays showed that the magnetic Ps 80-SPIONs and encapsulated DOX were delivered to gliomas by imposing external magnetic fields, indicating effective magnetic targeting. Due to magnetic targeting and Ps 80-mediated endocytosis, DOX@Ps 80-SPIONs in the presence of a magnetic field led to the complete suppression of glioma growth in vivo at 28 days after treatment. The therapeutic mechanism of DOX@Ps 80-SPIONs acted by inducing apoptosis through the caspase-3 pathway. Finally, DOX@Ps 80-SPIONs' safety at therapeutic dosage was verified using pathological HE assays of the heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney. Multifunctional SPIONs could be used as potential carriers for the theranostic treatment of CNS diseases.

Promotion through external magnetic field of osteogenic differentiation potential in adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells: Design of polyurethane/poly(lactic) acid sponges doped with iron oxide nanoparticles

“…The study performed by Kouchesfehani, Kiani, Rostami, and Fakheri () demonstrated that IONP cytotoxicity was mainly dose‐dependent and a concentration of 10 μg/ml already reduced the proliferative activity of mouse embryonic stem cells. Conflicting data exist regarding the cytotoxicity of IONPs (Sonmez et al, ) , (Xu et al, ). It has been shown that not only the dose but also nanoparticle size and shape play an important role in cell toxicity (Lee et al, ).…”

A Combined Magnetic‐Acoustic Device for Simultaneous, Coaligned Application of Magnetic and Ultrasonic Fields

“…A small activation volume is advantageous for treatments in which the target is well defined, e.g., a detectable solid tumor or blood clot. A broader activation volume could be preferable in concert with applications that require additional biological targeting to locate diseased regions …”

Progress in Polymeric Nano-Medicines for Theranostic Cancer Treatment

“…Chen et al [119] used copolymer of reducible polyamidoamine with polyethylene glycol/dodecyl amine for delivery of doxorubicin to targeted cells. Xu et al [120] prepared multifunctional nanoparticles by using a superparamagnetic iron oxide core with PEG/PEI/polysorbate 80 (Ps 80), and that was utilized to encapsulate DOX. As per the authors, the NPs were capable of delivering drugs effectively to gliomas.…”