Study on Doxorubicin Loading on Differently Functionalized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Implications for Controlled Drug-Delivery Application

Abstract

Nanoplatforms applied for the loading of anticancer drugs is a cutting-edge approach for drug delivery to tumors and reduction of toxic effects on healthy cells. In this study, we describe the synthesis and compare the sorption properties of four types of potential doxorubicin-carriers, in which iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs) are functionalized with cationic (polyethylenimine, PEI), anionic (polystyrenesulfonate, PSS), and nonionic (dextran) polymers, as well as with porous carbon. The IONs are thoroughly characterized by X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, high resolution TEM (HRTEM), SEM, magnetic susceptibility, and the zeta-potential measurements in the pH range of 3–10. The degree of doxorubicin loading at pH 7.4, as well as the degree of desorption at pH 5.0, distinctive to cancerous tumor environment, are measured. Particles modified with PEI were shown to exhibit the highest loading capacity, while the greatest release at pH 5 (up to 30%) occurs from the surface of magnetite decorated with PSS. Such a slow release of the drug would imply a prolonged tumor-inhibiting action on the affected tissue or organ. Assessment of the toxicity (using Neuro2A cell line) for PEI- and PSS-modified IONs showed no negative effect. In conclusion, the preliminary evaluation of the effects of IONs coated with PSS and PEI on the rate of blood clotting was carried out. The results obtained can be taken into account when developing new drug delivery platforms.

pH-Responsible Doxorubicin-Loaded Fe3O4@CaCO3 Nanocomposites for Cancer Treatment

“…Doxorubicin (DOX) is an outstanding anticancer drug [ 57 , 58 , 59 ]. The DOX loading on nanoparticles’ surface serves as a prospective system that reduces side effects and avoids drug resistance problems [ 41 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 ].…”

Selective Removal of Chlorophyll and Isolation of Lutein from Plant Extracts Using Magnetic Solid Phase Extraction with Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

“…Moreover, they possess a higher surface area and adsorption capacity toward different molecules and ions. In the literature, there are many examples of the use of nanoscale iron oxides as efficient adsorbents suitable for the decontamination of drinking water from heavy metal ions such as Cr(VI), Pb(II), Cr(III), Cu(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), and Cd(II) [ 53 , 54 ] or as potential drug carriers [ 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 ].…”

Green synthesis, characterization and drug-loaded iron oxide nanoparticles derived from Nerium oleander flower extract as a nanocarrier for in vitro antibacterial efficacy

“…Given the gravity of the situation, it is critical to find effective approaches for the early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of these illnesses. Until recently, several attempts based on nanoparticles have been done to detect and eliminate harmful germs [8][9][10].…”