Immobilization of boron-rich compound on Fe3O4 nanoparticles: Stability and cytotoxicity

Abstract Magnetic nanoparticles based on Fe 3 O 4 and their modifications of surface with therapeutic substances are of great interest, especially drug delivery for cancer therapy includes boron-neutron capture therapy. The results of boron-rich compound (carborane borate) attachment to previously aminated by (3-aminopropyl)-trimethoxysilane iron oxide nanoparticles are presented. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflection (ATR) accessory confirmed change of nanoparticles elemental content after modification and formation of new bond between Fe 3 O 4 and attached molecules. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed that Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles average size is 18.9 nm. Phase parameters were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction, Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles magnetic behavior was evaluated by Mossbauer spectroscopy. Chemical and colloidal stability was studied using simulated body fluid (phosphate buffer – PBS). Modified nanoparticles have excellent stability in PBS (pH = 7.4), characterized by X-ray diffraction, Mossbauer spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. Fe 3 O 4 biocompatibility was elucidated in-vitro using cultured mouse embryonic fibroblasts. The obtained results show the increasing of IC 50 from 0.110 mg/ml for Fe 3 O 4 to 0.405 mg/ml for Fe 3 O 4 -Carborane nanoparticles. Obtained data confirm biocompatibility and stability of synthesized nanoparticles and potential to use them in boron-neutron capture therapy.