Synthesis of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles coated with polyethylene glycol as potential drug carriers for cancer treatment

Abstract

AbstractCurrent cancer treatments are not selective in delivering drugs to cancer cells, affecting healthy tissues and especially rapidly dividing cells. This work describes the development of superparamagnetic nanoparticles for drug delivery through green synthesis, mediated by Musa paradisiaca peel extract as a stabilizing and reducing agent. The nanoparticles’ structural, morphological, magnetic and chemical properties were evaluated. The XRDs showed a cubic crystal structure with the space group of Fd3m (No. 227), typical of magnetite. Through SEM and TEM, it was determined that the mean size of the nanoparticles was 11.61 nm. FTIR and EDS confirmed the successful synthesis of Fe3O4 nuclei, covered with polyethylene glycol and loaded with doxorubicin. The magnetic properties of the nanocomposites obtained were measured using VSM, evidencing a superparamagnetic behaviour with a Ms = 72.75 emu/g. Finally, MTT assays on the HeLa tumour line showed a 45.5% decrease in cell viability. The determined properties allow the application of the nanocomposite produced as a potential candidate for cancer treatment. Graphical Abstract