No abstract

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) functionalized with methotrexate (MTX)‐conjugated bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a biocompatible drug delivery vehicle were synthesized using a facile method. Characterization of the functionalized MNPs (Fe3O4@BSA‐MTX NPs) was performed using various techniques including UV–visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, vibrating sample magnetometry and X‐ray diffraction. The particle size and zeta potential of Fe3O4@BSA‐MTX NPs were 105.7 ± 3.81 nm (mean ± SD) and −18.2 mV, respectively. MTX release from Fe3O4@BSA‐MTX NPs showed an enzyme‐dependent release pattern. Hemo‐biocompatibility of Fe3O4@BSA‐MTX NPs was confirmed using hemolysis test. In addition, the cytotoxicity of functionalized MNPs and free MTX against MCF‐7 cell line was investigated using MTT assay. The results of experiments revealed that the Fe3O4@BSA‐MTX NPs as a biocompatible carrier could improve the therapeutic effect of MTX.

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In this study, Bi2S3@BSA–Bio–MTX nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized for the first time by bovine serum albumin (BSA)‐mediated biomineralization (Bi2S3@BSA NPs) followed by covalent bonding of biotin (Bio) and methotrexate (MTX) on the surface of the Bi2S3@BSA NPs via carbodiimide chemistry. The synthesized NPs were globular and exhibited uniform morphology with a hydrodynamic diameter of 107.6 ± 6.81 nm (mean ± standard deviation) and zeta potential of −20.9 ± 2.18 mV. Drug release from Bi2S3@BSA–Bio–MTX NPs indicated an enzyme‐dependent release pattern. The in vitro biocompatibility of NPs was confirmed by investigating their cytotoxicity against the HEK‐293 cell line and hemolysis assay test, whereas the in vivo biocompatibility of the NPs was evaluated and confirmed by the lethal dose 50 (LD50) test. To evaluate the in vitro anticancer activity of the functionalized NPs and MTX, their cytotoxic effects was assessed against 4T1 cancer cells by 5‐dimethylthiazol‐z‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay with and without X‐ray radiation. Results showed that Bi2S3@BSA–Bio–MTX NPs have excellent anticancer activity, especially following X‐ray radiation.