Abstract
Conjugation of bioactive xenobiotics with innert particles often improves their efficacy and/or specificity. In this work we designed superparamagnetic ferric oxide nanoparticles (NPs) conjugated with a strong cytotoxic drug, monomethylauristatin E (MMAE), and evaluated their potential against cancer cells. Cytotoxicity tests showed that the conjugate was at least twice as toxic as the free drug. We then studied the cytotoxic potential of the conjugate at an elevated temperature achieved due to the superparamagnetic properties of the NPs, finding no enhancement of cytotoxicity in comparison with that at 37 °C. Next, multifunctional NPs containing MMAE and a targeting agent were synthesized. The targeting agent was the ZHer2:342 affibody specific to Her2 receptor. The selectivity and effectiveness of the conjugates was evaluated using SK-BR3 (Her2-positive) and U-87 MG (a negative control) cell lines. The multifunctional NPs selectively decrease of the viability of the SK-BR3 cells, showing their specificity towards cells overexpressing the Her2 receptor.
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