Multifunctional Nanoplatform for Targeted Laser-induced Hyperthermia and Microscopy of Breast Cancer Cells using SPION-based Gold and Folic Acid Conjugated Nanodendrimers: An in vitro Assay

Abstract

The use of nanotechnology seems to be a promising approach for early detection, imaging and therapy of cancer. In this investigation, 9 nm superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) were synthesized and functionalized by third generation polyamidoamine (G3-PAMAM) dendrimer. The magnetodendrimer samples were then conjugated by folic acid molecules for targeting and by gold nanoparticles for photothermal hyperthermia purpose. The gold nanoparticles were synthesized using three reducing agents of sodium borohydride, hydrazine sulfate and presynthesized 10-nm AuNPs. The final nanocomposite is named IDAF NC (Iron oxide-Dendrimer-Gold-Folic acid). Two breast cancer cell lines of MDA MB 231 and MCF 7 were used for cytotoxicity, uptake and photothermal assay. The results confirmed that AuNPs prepared by sodium borohydrate and the pre-synthesized 10-nm AuNPs were larger and those prepared by hydrazine sulfate were smaller and uniformly entrapped within dendrimer cavities. The MDA MB 231-IDAF-Hydr combination exhibited the highest viability percentage at 50 μg/mL before laser irradiation and lowest cancer cell viability of 65% (i.e., highest cell apoptosis and crystallization after irradiation).