Synthesis, Characterization, and Toxicity Assessment of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Coated with Antitumor Molecules

Abstract

New definitions describe cancer as a condition where cells, transformed by natural selection, undergo uncontrolled proliferation. Currently, several available drugs for treating cancer present side effects and are nonselective, thus complicating patient treatment. To overcome such issues, alternative therapies using inorganic nanoparticles and parent compounds are becoming more attractive. Here, we demonstrate the use of biocompatible superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) coated with the LASSBio-1735 parent compound in BALB/c mice inoculated with the Ehrlich tumor. We first characterize the formed nanoparticles and confirm and quantify the anchoring of LASSBio-1735 on the surface of the SPIONs. Tests conducted after 7, 14, and 30 days show that no significant alterations were found in erythrocyte count analysis, hemoglobin and hematocrit determination, platelet and leukocyte counts, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, serum iron dosage, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, serum creatinine, and urea determination, as well as analysis of the animals’ and tumor weights. This confirms that this new alternative can be considered in clinical trials to treat solid tumors.