Development of pH-Sensitive Magnetoliposomes Containing Shape Anisotropic Nanoparticles for Potential Application in Combined Cancer Therapy

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2023

Authors

Pacheco, ARF (Author) Other; Cardoso, BD (Author) Other; Pires, A (Author) Other; pereira, a. m. (Author) FCUP; araujo, j. p. (Author) FCUP; Carvalho, VM (Author) Other; Rodrigues, RO (Author) Other; Coutinho, PJG (Author) Other; Castelo-Grande, T (Author) Other; Augusto, PA (Author) Other; barbosa, d (Author) FEUP; Lima, RA (Author) Other; Teixeira, SFCF (Author) Other; Rodrigues, ARO (Author) Other; Castanheira, EMS (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Nanomaterials

Vol. 13

Final page: 1051

ISSN: 2079-4991

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 4 Citations

Scopus - 4 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Y-3DS

DOI: 10.3390/nano13061051

Abstract (EN): Late diagnosis and systemic toxicity associated with conventional treatments make oncological therapy significantly difficult. In this context, nanomedicine emerges as a new approach in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In this work, pH-sensitive solid magnetoliposomes (SMLs) were developed for controlled release of the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX). Shape anisotropic magnetic nanoparticles of magnesium ferrite with partial substitution by calcium (Mg0.75Ca0.25Fe2O4) were synthesized, with and without calcination, and their structural, morphological and magnetic properties were investigated. Their superparamagnetic properties were evaluated and heating capabilities proven, either by exposure to an alternating magnetic field (AMF) (magnetic hyperthermia) or by irradiation with near-infrared (NIR) light (photothermia). The Mg0.75Ca0.25Fe2O4 calcined nanoparticles were selected to integrate the SMLs, surrounded by a lipid bilayer of DOPE:Ch:CHEMS (45:45:10). DOX was encapsulated in the nanosystems with an efficiency above 98%. DOX release assays showed a much more efficient release of the drug at pH = 5 compared to the release kinetics at physiological pH. By subjecting tumor cells to DOX-loaded SMLs, cell viability was significantly reduced, confirming that they can release the encapsulated drug. These results point to the development of efficient pH-sensitive nanocarriers, suitable for a synergistic action in cancer therapy with magnetic targeting, stimulus-controlled drug delivery and dual hyperthermia (magnetic and plasmonic) therapy.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 21