Glutathione conjugated superparamagnetic Fe3O4-Au core shell nanoparticles for pH controlled release of DOX

Synthesis of Urchin-Like Au@TiO2 Nano-Carriers as a Drug-Loading System Toward Cancer Treatment

In recent years, improving the pharmaceutical properties of drug delivery for anti-cancer treatment has become increasingly important. This is necessary to address challenges related to absorption, distribution, and stability. One potential approach solution is to attach the drug to a carrier system, such as functional noble nanomaterials, in order to improve the control of drug release and stability. Core-satellite nanoparticles (CSN) with an anisotropic morphology have enormous potential for targeted drug delivery and cancer treatment because of their large surface area, exceptional stability, and biocompatibility. We used a simple seed-mediated approach to synthesize urchin-like gold nanoparticles (ULGNPs) with a high aspect ratio and a dense network of 49 nm-sized branches, using seed solution, silver nitrate, and ascorbic acid. The ULGNPs were synthesized without a surfactant and then encapsulated with thin layers of amorphous TiO2 (ULGNPs@TiO2), resulting in an average overall size of 136±15 nm with a 27.5 nm TiO2 layer. Doxorubicin (Dox) was chosen as a model drug to assess the distribution carrier ability of ULGNPs@TiO2 core-satellite nanoparticles. The results showed 86.5 % Dox loading and 72.3 % release capacity at pH 5. The anti-cancer ability of ULGNPs@TiO2-Dox was meticulously assessed using breast cancer MCF-7 cells in the WST-1 assay. The results revealed that ULGNPs@TiO2-Dox exhibited approximately 92 % toxicity in MCF-7 cells compared to the free Dox of 89.6 % at low concentrations (5 ppm). Based on the simulation results for loading ULGNPs@TiO2 with Dox, it was observed that a structure containing five layers of Au (111) with three fixed bottom layers and two relaxed top layers, in addition to six TiO2 (100) layers, was analyzed using Grimme's DFT-D3 dispersion corrections (Scheme 1). The density functional theory (DFT) adsorption energy (Eads) shows that the amorphous TiO2 increases the Dox loading activity of ULGNPs, with Eads=-3.85 eV, negatively higher than isolated ULGNPs (Eads=-2.87 eV) and TiO2 alone (Eads=-3.61 eV). This drug carrier design has the potential to revolutionize anti-cancer treatment.

Renally Excretable Molybdenum Disulfide Nanoparticles as Contrast Agents for Dual-Energy Mammography and Computed Tomography

Compared with conventional mammography, contrast-enhanced dual-energy mammography (DEM) can improve tumor detection for people with dense breasts. However, currently available iodine-based contrast agents have several drawbacks such as their contraindication for use with renal insufficiency, high-dose requirement, and suboptimal contrast production. Molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles (MoS2 NPs) have been shown to attenuate X-rays due to molybdenum's relatively high atomic number while having good biocompatibility. However, work exploring their use as X-ray contrast agents has been limited. In this study, we have developed a novel aqueous synthesis yielding ultrasmall, 2 nm MoS2 NPs with various small molecule coatings, including glutathione (GSH), penicillamine, and 2-mercaptopropionic acid (2MPA). These nanoparticles were shown to have low in vitro cytotoxicity when tested with various cell lines at concentrations up to 1 mg/mL. For the first time, these particles were shown to generate clinically relevant contrast in DEM. In DEM, MoS2 NPs generated higher contrast than iopamidol, a commercially available X-ray contrast agent, while also generating substantial contrast in CT. Moreover, MoS2 NPs demonstrated rapid elimination in vivo, mitigating long-term toxicity concerns. Together, the results presented here suggest the potential utility of MoS2 NPs as a dual-modality X-ray contrast agent for DEM and CT.

Engineering core-shell mesoporous silica and Fe3O4@Au nanosystems for targeted cancer therapeutics: a review

The extensive utilization of nanoparticles in cancer therapies has inspired a new field of study called cancer nanomedicine. In contrast to traditional anticancer medications, nanomedicines offer a targeted strategy that eliminates side effects and has high efficacy. With its vast surface area, variable pore size, high pore volume, abundant surface chemistry and specific binding affinity, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MPSNPs) are a potential candidate for cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, there are several bottlenecks associated with nanoparticles, including specific toxicity or affinity towards particular body fluid, which can cater by architecting core-shell nanosystems. The core-shell chemistries, synergistic effects, and interfacial heterojunctions in core-shell nanosystems enhance their stability, catalytic and physicochemical attributes, which possess high performance in cancer therapeutics. This review article summarizes research and development dedicated to engineering mesoporous core-shell nanosystems, especially silica nanoparticles and Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles, owing to their unique physicochemical characteristics. Moreover, it highlights state-of-the-art magnetic and optical attributes of Fe3O4@Au and MPSNP-based cancer therapy strategies. It details the designing of Fe3O4@Au and MPSN to bind with drugs, receptors, ligands, and destroy tumour cells and targeted drug delivery. This review serves as a fundamental comprehensive structure to guide future research towards prospects of core-shell nanosystems based on Fe3O4@Au and MPSNP for cancer theranostics.

Fe3O4-Incorporated Metal-Organic Framework for Chemo/Ferroptosis Synergistic Anti-Tumor via the Enhanced Chemodynamic Therapy

Metal-organic framework (MOF)-based drug delivery nanomaterials for cancer therapy have attracted increasing attention in recent years. Here, an enhanced chemodynamic anti-tumor therapy strategy by promoting the Fenton reaction by using core-shell zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8)@Fe3O4 as a therapeutic platform is proposed. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is used as a stabilizer of Fe3O4, which is then decorated on the surface of ZIF-8 via the electrostatic interaction and serves as an efficient Fenton reaction trigger. Meanwhile, the pH-responsive ZIF-8 scaffold acts as a container to encapsulate the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX). The obtained DOX-ZIF-8@Fe3O4/CMC (DZFC) nanoparticles concomitantly accelerate DOX release and generate more hydroxyl radicals by targeting the lysosomes in cancer cells. In vitro and in vivo studies verify that the DZFC nanoparticles trigger glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4)-dependent ferroptosis via the activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) signaling pathway, following to achieve the chemo/ferroptosis synergistic anti-tumor efficacy. No marked toxic effects are detected during DZFC treatment in a tumor-bearing mouse model. This composite nanoparticle remarkably suppresses the tumor growth with minimized systemic toxicity, opening new horizons for the next generation of theragnostic nanomedicines.

A colorimetric immunoassay for the detection of human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) based on anti-VEGF-iron oxide nanoparticle conjugation

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an indispensable element in many physiological processes, while alterations in its level in the circulating system are signs of pathology-associated diseases. Therefore, its precise and selective detection is critical for clinical applications to monitor the progression of the pathology. In this study, an optical immunoassay biosensor was developed as a model study for detecting recombinant VEGF165. The VEGF165 sample was purified from recombinant Kluyveromyces lactis GG799 yeast cells. Indirect ELISA was used during the detection, wherein iron oxide nanoparticles (FeNPs) were utilized to obtain optical signals. The FeNPs were synthesized in the presence of lactose p-amino benzoic acid (LpAB). VEGF165 antibody was conjugated to the LpAB-FeNPs through EDC/NHS chemistry to convert the iron oxide nanoparticles into VEGF165 specific probes. The specificity of the prepared system was tested in the presence of potential serum-based interferents (i.e., glucose, urea, insulin, C-reactive protein, and serum amyloid A), and validation studies were performed in a simulated serum sample. The proposed immunoassay showed a wide detection range (0.5 to 100 ng/mL) with a detection limit of 0.29 ng/mL. These results show that the developed assay could offer a sensitive, simple, specific, reliable, and high-throughput detection platform that can be used in the clinical diagnostics of VEGF.

Study on Doxorubicin Loading on Differently Functionalized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Implications for Controlled Drug-Delivery Application

Nanoplatforms applied for the loading of anticancer drugs is a cutting-edge approach for drug delivery to tumors and reduction of toxic effects on healthy cells. In this study, we describe the synthesis and compare the sorption properties of four types of potential doxorubicin-carriers, in which iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs) are functionalized with cationic (polyethylenimine, PEI), anionic (polystyrenesulfonate, PSS), and nonionic (dextran) polymers, as well as with porous carbon. The IONs are thoroughly characterized by X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, high resolution TEM (HRTEM), SEM, magnetic susceptibility, and the zeta-potential measurements in the pH range of 3-10. The degree of doxorubicin loading at pH 7.4, as well as the degree of desorption at pH 5.0, distinctive to cancerous tumor environment, are measured. Particles modified with PEI were shown to exhibit the highest loading capacity, while the greatest release at pH 5 (up to 30%) occurs from the surface of magnetite decorated with PSS. Such a slow release of the drug would imply a prolonged tumor-inhibiting action on the affected tissue or organ. Assessment of the toxicity (using Neuro2A cell line) for PEI- and PSS-modified IONs showed no negative effect. In conclusion, the preliminary evaluation of the effects of IONs coated with PSS and PEI on the rate of blood clotting was carried out. The results obtained can be taken into account when developing new drug delivery platforms.

Hemolytic Activity, Cytotoxicity, and Antimicrobial Effects of Silver Nanoparticles Conjugated with Lincomycin or Cefazolin

The overuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of resistant bacteria. A good alternative is silver nanoparticles, which have antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains. Their combination with already known antibiotics has a synergistic effect. In this work, we studied the synthesis of conjugates of silver nanoparticles with two antibiotics, lincomycin and cefazolin. Albumin and glutathione were used as spacer shells with functional groups. The physicochemical properties of the obtained conjugates, their cytotoxicity and synergism of antimicrobial activity were studied. The 50% antimicrobial activity of the obtained samples was shown, which allows them to be recommended for use as topical drug preparations.

Design of foldable, responsively drug-eluting polyacrylic intraocular lens bulk materials for prevention of postoperative complications

Posterior capsular opacification (PCO), resulting from undesired intracapsular cell proliferation, is the most common complication of intraocular lens (IOL) implantation after cataract surgery. In recent years, IOLs have been developed into a drug delivery platform. Compared with traditional eye drops, drug-loaded IOLs have the characteristics of independent patient compliance and no other operation except surgical implantation. In this work, a series of poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethyl acrylate) (PGE) acrylic intraocular lens materials were synthesized as drug delivery platforms. The PGE synthesized with 10% crosslinking agent has excellent optical, foldable, and thermomechanical properties. An aldehyde group was subsequently introduced into the PGE chains, and an antiproliferative drug (doxorubicin) was immobilized onto the PGE chains via an H⁺-sensitive imine bond. The IOL exhibits H⁺-dependent Dox release behavior in a simulated pathological environment. The in vitro and in vivo systematical evaluations indicate that such a responsively drug-eluting PGE IOL can effectively prevent PCO.

Enhanced Functional Properties of Three DNA Origami Nanostructures as Doxorubicin Carriers to Breast Cancer Cells

Previous studies have shown that chemotherapeutic efficacy could be enhanced with targeted drug delivery. Various DNA origami nanostructures have been investigated as drug carriers. Here, we compared drug delivery functionalities of three similar DNA origami nanostructures, Disc, Donut, and Sphere, that differ in structural dimension. Our results demonstrated that Donut was the most stable and exhibited the highest Dox-loading capacity. MUC1 aptamer modification in our nanostructures increased cellular uptake in MUC1-high MCF-7. Among the three nanostructures, unmodified Donut exerted the highest Dox cytotoxicity in MCF-7, and MUC1 aptamer modification did not further improve its effect, implicating that Dox delivery by Donut was efficient. However, all Dox-loaded nanostructures showed comparable cytotoxicity in MDA-MB-231 due to the innate sensitivity of this cell line to Dox. Our results successfully demonstrated that functional properties of DNA origami nanocarriers could be tuned by structural design, and three-dimensional Donut appeared to be the most efficient nanocarrier.

Laser-triggered combination therapy by iron sulfide-doxorubicin@functionalized nanozymes for breast cancer therapy

Background

The use of magnetic nanozymes (NZs) with the ability to synchronize gas therapy through photodynamic and chemotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer has received much attention.

Results

Hence, in this study, we designed a bovine lactoferrin-coated iron sulfide NZs containing doxorubicin (abbreviated as: FeS-Dox@bLf NZs) by wet-chemical synthesis method. Then, the physicochemical characteristics of synthesized NZs were explored by several methods. Also, the level of Fe²⁺, H₂S and Dox releases from FeS-Dox@Lf NZs. Also, the cytotoxic effects of FeS-Dox@Lf NZs were investigated by cellular assays. After intravenous injections of NZs and laser irradiation, significant effects of FeS-Dox@Lf NZs on mice weight and tumor status were observed. Afterwards, not only the distribution of Dox in the body was examined by fluorescent, but also the time of Fe clearance and the amount of Dox and Fe retention in vital tissues were determined. The findings confirm that FeS-Dox@Lf NZs, in addition to targeted drug distribution in tumor tissue, resulted in superior therapeutic performance compared to free Dox due to reduced Dox side effects in vital tissues, and increased level of free radicals in 4T1 cells.

Conclusion

Overall, FeS-Dox@Lf NZs with the ability to synchronize chemotherapy and gas therapy raised hopes for more effective treatment of breast cancer.

Graphic abstract

Recent Advances in Synthesis, Medical Applications and Challenges for Gold-Coated Iron Oxide: Comprehensive Study

Combining iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) in one nanostructure is a promising technique for various applications. Fe3O4 NPs have special supermagnetic attributes that allow them to be applied in different areas, and Au NPs stand out in biomaterials due to their oxidation resistance, chemical stability, and unique optical properties. Recent studies have generally defined the physicochemical properties of nanostructures without concentrating on a particular formation strategy. This detailed review provides a summary of the latest research on the formation strategy and applications of Fe3O4@Au. The diverse methods of synthesis of Fe3O4@Au NPs with different basic organic and inorganic improvements are introduced. The role and applicability of Au coating on the surface of Fe3O4 NPs schemes were explored. The 40 most relevant publications were identified and reviewed. The versatility of combining Fe3O4@Au NPs as an option for medical application is proven in catalysis, hyperthermia, biomedical imaging, drug delivery and protein separation.

One-Pot Synthesis-Biocompatible Copper-Tripeptide Complex as a Nanocatalytic Medicine to Enhance Chemodynamic Therapy

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) is a kind of method utilizing hydroxyl radicals (^•OH) generated by Fenton or Fenton-like reactions in situ to kill tumor cells. Copper, a cofactor of many intracellular enzymes, which has good biocompatibility, is a transition metal with extremely high efficiency in the Fenton-like reaction. However, when the intracellular free copper exceeds the threshold, it will bring serious side effects. Hence, we used the chelation between glutathione (GSH) and copper ions to produce a nanocatalytic drug, which was named as Cu-GSSG NPs, to fix free copper. With the aid of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in vitro, Cu-GSSG NPs catalyzed it to ^•OH radicals, which could be confirmed by the electron spin resonance spectrum and the degradation experiment of methylene blue. Based on these results, we further studied the intracellular properties of Cu-GSSG NPs and found that Cu-GSSG NPs could react with the overexpressed H₂O₂ in tumor cells to produce ^•OH radicals effectively by the Fenton-like reaction to induce cell death. Therefore, Cu-GSSG NPs could be a kind of potential "green" nanocatalytic drug with good biocompatibility to achieve CDT.

Tuning structural and magnetic properties of Fe oxide nanoparticles by specific hydrogenation treatments

Structural and magnetic properties of Fe oxide nanoparticles prepared by laser pyrolysis and annealed in high pressure hydrogen atmosphere were investigated. The annealing treatments were performed at 200 °C (sample A200C) and 300 °C (sample A300C). The as prepared sample, A, consists of nanoparticles with ~ 4 nm mean particle size and contains C (~ 11 at.%), Fe and O. The Fe/O ratio is between γ-Fe₂O₃ and Fe₃O₄ stoichiometric ratios. A change in the oxidation state, crystallinity and particle size is evidenced for the nanoparticles in sample A200C. The Fe oxide nanoparticles are completely reduced in sample A300C to α-Fe single phase. The blocking temperature increases from 106 K in A to 110 K in A200C and above room temperature in A300C, where strong inter-particle interactions are evidenced. Magnetic parameters, of interest for applications, have been considerably varied by the specific hydrogenation treatments, in direct connection to the induced specific changes of particle size, crystallinity and phase composition. For the A and A200C samples, a field cooling dependent unidirectional anisotropy was observed especially at low temperatures, supporting the presence of nanoparticles with core–shell-like structures. Surprisingly high M_S values, almost 50% higher than for bulk metallic Fe, were evidenced in sample A300C.

Gold nanoparticle‑mediated delivery of paclitaxel and nucleic acids for cancer therapy (Review)

Paclitaxel is a potent antineoplastic agent, but poor solubility and resistance have limited its use. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are widely studied as drug carriers because they can be engineered to prevent drug insolubility, carry nucleic acid payloads for gene therapy, target specific tumor cell lines, modulate drug release and amplify photothermal therapy. Consequently, the conjugation of paclitaxel with AuNPs to improve antiproliferative and pro‑apoptotic potency may enable improved clinical outcomes. There are currently a number of different AuNPs under development, including simple drug or nucleic acid carriers and targeted AuNPs that are designed to deliver therapeutic payloads to specific cells. The current study reviewed previous research on AuNPs and the development of AuNP‑based paclitaxel delivery.

Taurine-Conjugated Mussel-Inspired Iron Oxide Nanoparticles with an Elongated Shape for Effective Delivery of Doxorubicin into the Tumor Cells

Multifunctional iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles, among them nanorods, were prepared with a mussel-inspired polydopamine (pDA) surface coating agent for cancer therapeutics. Taurine, a free sulfur-containing ß amino acid, was grafted on the pDA at the iron oxide nanoparticle surface to enhance its biocompatibility and targeted delivery action. Doxorubicin (DOX), an anticancer drug, was loaded on the prepared nanovehicles with an entrapment efficiency of 70.1%. Drug release kinetics were then analyzed using UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopies, suggesting the pH-responsive behavior of the developed nanovehicle. The developed system was then tested on PC-3 cell lines to check its cellular response. Confocal microscopy observations and (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) and Annexin V-FITC assays used to evaluate cell toxicity and apoptosis reveal a dose-dependent nature of nanorods and can overcome the side effects of using free DOX with a targeted action.

Implantable fibrous 'patch' enabling preclinical chemo-photothermal tumor therapy

Localized drug delivery systems (LDDSs), in the forms of fibers or hydrogel, have emerged as an alternative approach for effective cancer treatment, but suffer challenges in the limited efficacy originated from sole therapeutic functionality. Herein, a multifunctional LDDS, showing feasibility for minimally-invasive implantation, was designed and synthesized for on-site chemo-photothermal synergistic therapy. In this system, polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles, loaded with doxorubicin (DOX), were assembled at the surface of electrospun PCL-gelatin (PG) fibers (PG@PDA-DOX). The composite PG@PDA-DOX nanofibers could effectively transform NIR light into heat and present excellent photostability. In addition, low pH and NIR irradiation enabled remarkably accelerated DOX release. The in vitro study of PG@PDA-DOX fibers showed effective anti-cancer effect with irradiation of 808 nm NIR by inducing cell apoptosis and suppressing cell proliferation. The in vivo study, by implanting PG@PDA-DOX nanofibers in the patient derived xenograft (PDX) model via minimally-invasive surgery, presented that the composite fibers can effectively inhabit tumor growth by the combined chemo-photothermal effect without clear systematic side-effects. This study has therefore demonstrated a minimally-invasive platform, in a fibrous mesh form, with both high therapeutic efficacy and considerable potential in clinical translation for liver cancer treatment.

Synthesis, characterization and anticancer activity in vitro evaluation of novel dicyanoaurate (I)-based complexes

Molecular structures containing gold, such as auranofin, have been extensively studied in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, including cancer treatment. The pharmacological properties of the newly synthesized unique gold-ligand structures have been reported for different cancer cell lines. However, findings on bishydeten-metal salt complexes with gold are rare. In this work, the synthesis of five novel cyanide-bridged coordination compounds having the closed formulae [Ni(bishydeten)][Au(CN)₂]₂ (1), [Cu(bishydeten)][Au(CN)₂]₂ (2), [Zn(bishydeten)₂Au₃(CN)₄][Au₂(CN)₃] (3), [Cd(bishydeten)_0,5]₂[Au(CN)₂]₄.2H₂O (4), and [Cd(bishydeten)₂][Au(CN)₂]₂ (5) (where bisyhdeten = N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylene diamine), and their characterization by elemental, infrared, ESI-MS, X-ray (for 2) and thermic measurement methods were performed. Complexes 1 and 3 are thermally more stable than the other three complexes. For these, pharmacological adequacies were also tested. The nucleic acid and protein binding affinities of the Au (I) compounds were also estimated by spectroscopic and electrophoretic techniques. Au (I) complexes were identified as strong chemotherapeutic with mild cytotoxicity, and they demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition on the growth of cancer cells with IC50 at 0.11 to 0.47 μM. Investigation of mechanisms of action on cells revealed that Au (I) compounds managed to inhibit cell migration and led to a decrease in cytoskeletal proteins such as CK7 and CK20. However, Au (I) compounds failed to inhibit DNA topoisomerase I. Overall, and we suggest that potent antiproliferative activity, mild cytotoxicity, good solubility, and micromolar dosage of Au (I) compounds containing bisyhdeten-metal derivatives render them the potential focus of further studies as chemotherapeutic agents.

CuS@PDA-FA nanocomposites: a dual stimuli-responsive DOX delivery vehicle with ultrahigh loading level for synergistic photothermal-chemotherapies on breast cancer

In this study, CuS@PDA nanoparticles were synthesized and used to create a novel tumor-targeting nanocomposite platform composed of copper sulfide@polydopamine-folic acid/doxorubicin (CuS@PDA-FA/DOX) for performing both photothermal and chemotherapeutic cancer treatment. The nanocomposite platform has ultrahigh loading levels (4.2 ± 0.2 mg mg-1) and a greater photothermal conversion efficiency (η = 42.7%) than CuS/PDA alone. The uptake of CuS@PDA-FA/DOX nanocomposites is much higher in MCF-7 cells than in A549 cells because MCF-7 cells have much higher folic acid receptors than A549. Under near infrared (NIR) irradiation, the CuS@PDA-FA/DOX system using a synergistic combination of photothermal therapy and chemotherapy yields a better therapeutic effect than either photothermal therapy or chemotherapy alone. The treatment is very effective with the cell viability is only 5.6 ± 1.4%.

Hemolysis tendency of anticancer nanoparticles changes with type of blood group antigen: An insight into blood nanoparticle interactions

Different blood groups of ABO system have specific antigen which bestows them with different biochemical properties and hence they can show different hemolytic activity. In this report, hemolytic activity of thiol-functionalized Fe₃O₄-Au nanoparticles were studied in presence and absence of doxorubicin and the effect of various thiol coatings were correlated towards their hemolysis tendency. The nanoparticles were functionalized with four different amino thiols, cysteamine (CEA), cystamine (CA), cysteine (Cys) and cystine (Cyt) to form Fe₃O₄-Au CEA, Fe₃O₄-Au CA, Fe₃O₄-Au Cys and Fe₃O₄-Au Cyt nanoparticles which were loaded with anticancer drug, doxorubicin. The functionalization was characterized using ATR-FTIR, HR-TEM, XPS and other spectroscopic methods. Maximum drug encapsulation efficiency of 83% was observed with Fe₃O₄-Au CA nanoparticles. In-vitro experiments were performed on HeLa cells to check the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity using MTT assay. Hemolytic activity was then analyzed with all the blood groups (positive and negative). The amino acid functionalized, Fe₃O₄-Au Cys and Fe₃O₄-Au Cyt nanoparticles, shows lesser hemolysis compared to amino thiol functionalized Fe₃O₄-Au CEA, and Fe₃O₄-Au CA nanoparticles. In positive blood groups, the Fe₃O₄-Au CA nanoparticles shows the highest rate of hemolysis followed by Fe₃O₄-Au CEA, while the lowest hemolysis rate was observed for Fe₃O₄-Au Cyt nanoparticles. For negative blood groups, the thiol coated nanoparticles show more abrupt hemolysis rate depending upon the type of antigen.

One-Pot Synthesis of Chicken-Feather-Keratin-Based Prodrug Nanoparticles with High Drug Content for Tumor Intracellular DOX Delivery

pH/reduction dual-triggered chicken-feather-keratin-based prodrug nanoparticles (C-PK/- SS-Hy-D NPs) were designed via a facile one-pot oxidation coupling reaction between the thiol-functional acid-labile prodrug M-Hy-D and the PEGylated keratin (PK) graft copolymer, for tumor intracellular doxorubicin (DOX) delivery. Due to the encapsulation of the pH and the reduction of the dual-responsive small prodrug D-Hy- SS-Hy-D, a high drug content of 45.8% was obtained in the proposed prodrug nanoparticles. They exhibited excellent pH and reduction of dual-triggered drug release, with cumulative drug release of 88.6% within 51 h in the simulated tumor intracellular microenvironment, while the premature drug leakage was only 13.7% in the simulated normal physiological medium. The in vitro experiments revealed the enhanced antitumor efficacy of the C-PK/- SS-Hy-D NPs than the free DOX at a higher dosage of >10 μg/mL.