Liposomal Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Loaded with Doxorubicin for Combined Chemo-Photothermal Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Iron oxide nanoparticle (IONP) possesses unique advantages over other nanoparticles in the use of cancer imaging and therapy. Specifically, it has drawn great attention in the emerging research field of photothermal cancer therapy. Herein, we developed doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded liposomal IONP (Lipo-IONP/DOX) and evaluated in vitro and in vivo their applicability for combined chemo-photothermal cancer therapy. The Lipo-IONP was synthesized by the thin-film evaporation method. The prepared Lipo-IONP was observed as about a 240 nm-sized agglomerate of globular-shaped nanoparticles. The TEM and FT-IR data evidenced the successful formation of liposomal IONP. The superparamagnetic property of the Lipo-IONP was confirmed by the SQUID analysis. The DSC data showed a transition temperature of about 47–48 °C for the mixed lipids composing the Lipo IONP, and the DOX release studies revealed the feasibility of induced burst release of DOX by laser irradiation. The Lipo-IONP/DOX possessed a plasma half-life of 42 min, which could ensure sufficient circulation time for magnetic tumor targeting. The in vivo magnetic targeting enabled a significant increase (6.3-fold) in the tumor accumulation of Lipo-IONP/DOX, leading to greater photothermal effects. Finally, the preliminary efficacy study evidenced the applicability as well as the safety of the Lipo-IONP/DOX for use in combined chemo-photothermal cancer therapy. Overall, the study results demonstrated that the Lipo-IONP/DOX might serve as an effective and safe agent for combined chemo-photothermal cancer therapy.

Reduction of Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity by Co-Administration of Smart Liposomal Doxorubicin and Free Quercetin: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

“…Park et al developed doxorubicin-loaded liposomal iron oxide nanoparticles and evaluated their application in vitro and in vivo for combined chemo-photothermal cancer therapy. Finally, after studying the initial efficacy, utility, and safety of their nanosystem, they reported that it may serve as an effective and safe agent for combination cancer therapy [ 30 ]. Electron microscopy images showed a proper morphology of the spherical and smooth liposomes ( Figure 2 b).…”

Research progress of inorganic metal nanomaterials in biological imaging and photothermal therapy

“…Tian等 [123] . (d) Lipo-IONP/DOX在磁引导和光触 发下进行光热和化学联合治疗癌症 [124] (网络版彩图) 纳米颗粒团聚体Lipo-IONP. 该脂质体既可负载亲水性 药物, 又可负载疏水性药物, 已作为临床递送化疗药物 的载体 [125] .…”

Recent Metal Nanotheranostics for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy: A Review

“…Although the FDA has approved several ION formulations, specific unwanted toxicity issues reported in many studies that could be overcome by functionalization and surface modification with various coverage and ligands would be helpful to improve their circulation time, clearance, and evasion by reticuloendothelial system, as well as improving tissue targeting, biocompatibility, and stability [74][75][76][77][78]. It has now been demonstrated that [79] the doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded liposomal iron oxide NPs (IONP) (Lipo-IONP/DOX) might serve as a safe and effective agent for combined chemo/photothermal cancer therapy. Currently, iron oxide NPs are the ideal agents for cancer theranostics.…”