In Situ Biosynthesized Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONS) Induce Efficient Hyperthermia in Cancer Cells

Abstract

Despite the promising role of magnetic hyperthermia in cancer therapy, its use in patients has been restricted by hurdles that include inefficient targeting of magnetic particles to the tumor site, limited bioavailability, and high toxicity, etc. Taking advantage of the unique metabolic property of cancer cells, we explored the potential of these cells to biosynthesize magnetic nanoparticles for potential hyperthermia applications. Treatment of cancer cells with a mixture of FeCl 2 and zinc gluconate resulted in a significant increase in intracellular Fe and Zn content in these cells. Exposure of these cells to an alternating magnetic field (AMF) for 30 min resulted in a substantial temperature rise of 5−6 °C. The in situ formed particles were identified as iron oxide and ZnO nanoparticles. Based on the magnetic property and size, the iron oxide nanoparticles were classified as superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONS) comprising a mixture of magnetite (Fe 3 -δO 4 ) and maghemite (γ-Fe 2 O 3 ). The role of reactive oxygen species (H 2 O 2 ) and the involvement of the glycolytic pathway in the biosynthesis of the nanoparticles were confirmed using appropriate in vitro studies. The simplicity of treatment, the specificity of cells capable of synthesis of SPIONS, and the hyperthermia response observed in cancer cells indicate a promising strategy to achieve effective magnetic hyperthermia for cancer therapy.

A Drug-free, Self-destruction Strategy to Combat Bacterial Infections by Using the Intrinsically formed Magnetic Nanoparticles in Bacterial Pathogens

“…It is likely that ROS is involved in the biomineralization process, as only those microbes expressing high levels of ROS revealed intracellular iron accumulation and nanoparticle synthesis (Table S1). In an earlier study, we had reported ROS involvement in inducing MNP synthesis in eukaryotic cells treated with a similar combination of Fe and Zn precursors [21].…”

“…Whereas several studies have compared the influence of either Fe / Zn on microbes, no study has yet shown their combined effect. Recently we had observed MNP formation in eukaryotic cells exposed to ferrous chloride and zinc gluconate [21]. Given the importance of iron and zinc to bacteria, the study was extended to bacteria.…”

Recent progress of magnetic nanoparticles in biomedical applications: A review

“…Kaushik et al. [ 216 ] reported a biosynthesis mechanism to synthesize nanoparticles inside tumor cells to induce magnetic hyperthermia. Briefly, the investigators exposed the cancer cells to FeCl 2 and zinc gluconate.…”

“…The cellular environment experienced 4°C–5°C elevation in temperature as a result of 30 minutes exposure to an alternating magnetic field. [ 216 ] As cancer cells have a higher ROS level than normal healthy cells, particle synthesis was not carried out in regular healthy cells due to lower H 2 O 2 levels. Hence the mechanism is inherently targeting only cancerous cells and once the biosynthesis of the particles is done, the particles can be utilized to induce cell death using magnetic hyperthermia.…”

Bio-assisted preparation of efficiently architectured nanostructures of γ-Fe2O3 as a molecular recognition platform for simultaneous detection of biomarkers

“…To overcome the above stated limitations, Furostanol Saponin (FS) present in the Fenugreek seeds extract is utilized to synthesize iron oxides of size and shape-controlled nanostructures along with control over their growth direction. For the first time, this proposed methodology has been used to produce high yield and high quality of γ-Fe 2 O 3 nanograsses (NGs), nanowires (NWs) and nanospheres (NSs) via biogenic (greener) route 23,24 . The resultant γ-Fe 2 O 3 nanostructures are characterized by using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques.…”