Doxorubicin/Cisplatin-Loaded Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles As A Stimuli-Responsive Co-Delivery System For Chemo-Photothermal Therapy

Abstract

Mona Khafaji,1 Masoud Zamani,2 Manouchehr Vossoughi,2,3 Azam Iraji zad1,4 1Institute for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran 14588-89694, Iran; 2Institute for Biotechnology and Environment (IBE), Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran; 3Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran; 4Department of Physics, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran 14588, IranCorrespondence: Mona KhafajiInstitute for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Sharif University of Technology, PO Box 11365-11155, Tehran 14588-89694, IranTel [phone]Fax [phone]Email [email protected] VossoughiDepartment of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, PO Box 11365-8639, Tehran, IranTel [phone]Fax [phone]Email [email protected]: To date, numerous iron-based nanostructures have been designed for cancer therapy applications. Although some of them were promising for clinical applications, few efforts have been made to maximize the therapeutic index of these carriers. Herein, PEGylated silica-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (PS-IONs) were introduced as multipurpose stimuli-responsive co-delivery nanocarriers for a combination of dual-drug chemotherapy and photothermal therapy.Methods: Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized via the sonochemical method and coated by a thin layer of silica. The nanostructures were then further modified with a layer of di-carboxylate polyethylene glycol (6 kDa) and carboxylate-methoxy polyethylene glycol (6 kDa) to improve their stability, biocompatibility, and drug loading capability. Doxorubicin (DOX) and cisplatin (CDDP) were loaded on the PS-IONs through the interactions between the drug molecules and polyethylene glycol.Results: The PS-IONs demonstrated excellent cellular uptake, cytocompatibility, and hemocompatibility at the practical dosage. Furthermore, in addition to being an appropriate MRI agent, PS-IONs demonstrated superb photothermal property in 0.5 W/cm2 of 808 nm laser irradiation. The release of both drugs was effectively triggered by pH and NIR irradiation. As a result of the intracellular combination chemotherapy and 10 min of safe power laser irradiation, the highest cytotoxicity for iron-based nanocarriers (97.3±0.8%) was achieved.Conclusion: The results of this study indicate the great potential of PS-IONs as a multifunctional targeted co-delivery system for cancer theranostic application and the advantage of employing proper combination therapy for cancer eradication.Keywords: iron oxide nanoparticles, chemo/photothermal therapy, dual-drug delivery, control release

Keywords

• iron oxide nanoparticles
• chemo/photothermal therapy
• dual-drug delivery
• control release