Cur-loaded magnetic ZnFe2O4@L-cysteine – Ox, N-rich mesoporous -gC3N4 nanocarriers as a targeted sonodynamic chemotherapeutic agent for enhanced tumor eradication

Abstract

L-cysteine (L-Cys)-encapsulated ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) (ZnFe2O4@L-cysteine) were prepared and then combined with Ox, N-rich mpg-C3N4 nanosheets (ZnFe2O4@L-cysteine- Ox, N-rich mpg-C3N4) (Ox, N-rich mpg-C3N4 as known oxygen-containing functional groups and nitrogen-rich mesoporous graphite-phase carbon nitride). The product was used for targeted delivery of pharmaceutical species and combined therapy. The resulting nanocarrier materials were characterized by HR-TEM, FE-SEM, EDS analysis and element mapping images, FT-IR spectroscopy, XRD, VSM, MTT assay, zeta potential and BET surface area meaurements were performed. The synergistic effect of zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) and Ox, N -rich mpg-C3N4 semiconductor was makes the resuting material a candidate for use as a nanosonosensitizer (NSS) for chemosonodynamic therapy (CSDT) and the loading of Curcumin (Cur), which is used to treat lung human cancer cells (A549). The fabricated ZnFe2O4@L-cysteine– Ox, N -rich mp-g-C3N4 nanocarriers exhibited ultrasound (US), as well as, in vitro pH- dependent release of Cur. Upon incubation of with cancer cells in thepresence of the material, O2, O2−., OH., HO2. (reactive oxygen species (ROS)) were efficiently generated upon irradiation with US waves. The application of ZnFe2O4@L-cysteine– Ox, N -rich mpg-C3N4 nanocarriers, as a tool for enhancing the efficacy of ROS through tumor microenvironment is a key strategy for treating some cancers. The developed biodegradable compound was intended to act as a smart drug delivery nanocarriers, with pH and ultrasound trigger and to play a semi-enzymatic sonocatalytic function. The use of deeply penetrating ultrasound waves as the excitation trigger allows the developed nanocarrier to leave hybrid chemotheraputic and SDT effects on the tumors, further to its drug-release function in a pH of 5.5 (rather than in 7.4), which makes it further suitable for delivery of canccer drugs to cells.