Formulation and Characterization of Fe3O4@PEG Nanoparticles Loaded Sorafenib; Molecular Studies and Evaluation of Cytotoxicity in Liver Cancer Cell Lines

Abstract

Iron oxide nanoparticles are one of the nanocarriers that are suitable for novel drug delivery systems due to low toxicity, biocompatibility, loading capacity, and controlled drug delivery to cancer cells. The purpose of the present study is the synthesis of coated iron oxide nanoparticles for the delivery of sorafenib (SFB) and its effects on cancer cells. In this study, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by the co-precipitation method, and then sorafenib was loaded onto PEG@Fe3O4 nanoparticles. FTIR was used to ensure polyethylene glycol (PEG) binding to nanoparticles and loading the drug onto the nanoshells. A comparison of the mean size and the crystalline structure of nanoparticles was performed by TEM, DLS, and X-ray diffraction patterns. Then, cell viability was obtained by the MTT assay for 3T3 and HepG2 cell lines. According to FT-IR results, the presence of O–H and C–H bands at 3427 cm–1 and 1420 cm–1 peak correlate with PEG binding to nanoparticles. XRD pattern showed the cubic spinel structure of trapped magnetite nanoparticles carrying medium. The magnetic properties of nanoparticles were examined by a vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM). IC50 values at 72 h for treatment with carriers of Fe3O4@PEG nanoparticle for the HepG2 cell line was 15.78 μg/mL (p < 0.05). This study showed that Fe3O4 nanoparticles coated by polyethylene glycol and using them in the drug delivery process could be beneficial for increasing the effect of sorafenib on cancer cells.

Copolymer-Green-Synthesized Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Enhance Folate-Targeting in Cervical Cancer Cells In Vitro

“…The additional conjugation of PEG to the functionalized NPs (Cs-CuO and F-Cs-CuO) showed a further increase in viability in the HEK293 cells, and a moderate change in the viabilities of the HeLa and MCF-7 cells, compared to the unPEGylated nanocomplexes. A recent study reported that adding PEG to their NPs (Fe 3 O 4 ) improved the NP stability and biocompatibility in 3T3 and HepG2 cells, preventing any toxic effects of the NPs due to their interactions with the cells or proteins [ 61 ]. Contrary to this, an earlier study using MgFe 3 O 4 NPs noted that adding PEG increased cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells (SKBR-3).…”

Gellan Gum- And Pectin-Magnetic Graphene Oxide Nanocarriers Loaded With Cinnamaldehyde for Mosquito Larvae Control

“…Aggregation can still be observed as the coating of polymer on the GO-Fe3O4 nanocomposite is not uniform. Formation of core/shell particles which the GO-Fe3O4 cores are observable as a black area enclosed by a lighter grey shell were determined in both conjugated nanocomposites [22,23]. This may allow for fine dispersion, high oxidation stability and improved drug loading on the shells.…”

Recent Progress and Challenges Regarding Magnetite-Based Nanoparticles for Targeted Drug Delivery

“…Sorafenib (SFB) inhibits the formation of nucleic acids by connecting to DNA. Simple, PEG-coated magnetite nanoparticles were used for SFB loading and characterized for potential application in liver cancer treatment [75]. The presence of PEG was beneficial for better stability, biocompatibility, lower toxic and pharmacokinetic effects.…”