Modified zinc oxide nanoparticles as potential drug carrier

Abstract

The objective of this research was to investigate the feasibility of creating a stable drug carrier using zinc oxide. This carrier, with its surface modified by a galactose coating, aimed to demonstrate reduced toxicity compared to the uncoated zinc oxide nanoparticles. A series of zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized, each modified with galactose. The processes were carried out in a microwave radiation field. The synthesized products underwent analysis, including XRD, ATR-FTIR and TEM-EDS analysis. Also, DLS technique was applied to determined size and electrokinetic potential of nanoparticles in different media. Further investigation assessed the impact of the synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles on CHO cell cytotoxicity and their proliferation. XRD technique confirmed the obtaining of zinc oxide nanoparticles. Modification with galactose didn't impact their purity. ATR-FTIR analysis confirmed Zn-O bonds. Galactose presence was confirmed at its highest molar ratio. TEM-EDS analysis revealed pure zinc oxide nanoparticles' spiked structure and modified nanoparticles' less organized arrangement, both showing bar-like shape. DLS technique determined nanoparticle sizes between 217 and 764 nm. Nanoparticle suspensions were found stable in various environments. In vitro cell viability analysis indicated reduced cytotoxicity and enhanced cell development with modified zinc oxide nanoparticles compared to reference unmodified particles. Regarding the outcomes, it can be deduced that the suggested process parameter values consistently yield stable galactose-modified zinc oxide nanoparticles. These modified nanoparticles exhibit lower cytotoxicity towards CHO cells compared to pure zinc oxide. Furthermore, they actively promote the proliferation of normal cells, aligning with the desired outcome.