Biocompatible superparamagnetic nanoparticles with ibuprofen as potential drug carriers

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles as potential drug delivery systems for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

This study aims to use superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), specifically magnetite (Fe3O4), to deliver deflazacort (DFZ) and ibuprofen (IBU) to Duchenne muscular dystrophy-affected (DMD) mouse muscles using an external magnetic field. The SPIONs are synthesized by the co-precipitation method, and their surfaces are functionalized with L-cysteine to anchor the drugs, considering that the cysteine on the surface of the SPIONs in the solid state dimerizes to form the cystine molecule, creating the Fe3O4-(Cys)2-DFZ and Fe3O4-(Cys)2-IBU systems for in vivo tests. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and magnetic measurements. The results show that the SPIONs have an average crystallite size of about 8 nm in the solid state and a hydrodynamic size of about 120 nm, which is suitable for biological applications in aqueous dispersion. The nanoparticles exhibit superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature and spherical-close morphology. In addition, vibrational modes characteristic of the functional groups of the molecules anchored to the surface of the SPIONs are identified. Data from blood tests of mdx mice after seven consecutive days of treatment with nanoparticles confirm the non-toxic nature of the system and show an improvement in DMD, with normal levels of liver and kidney enzymes and a decrease in creatine kinase protein.

Nanocarrier design–function relationship: The prodigious role of properties in regulating biocompatibility for drug delivery applications

The concept of drug delivery systems as a magic bullet for the delivery of bioactive compounds has emerged as a promising approach in the treatment of different diseases with significant advantages over the limitations of traditional methods. While nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems are the main advocates of drug uptake because they offer several advantages including reduced non-specific biodistribution, improved accumulation, and enhanced therapeutic efficiency; their safety and biocompatibility within cellular/tissue systems are therefore important for achieving the desired effect. The underlying power of "design-interplay chemistry" in modulating the properties and biocompatibility at the nanoscale level will direct the interaction with their immediate surrounding. Apart from improving the existing nanoparticle physicochemical properties, the balancing of the hosts' blood components interaction holds the prospect of conferring newer functions altogether. So far, this concept has been remarkable in achieving many fascinating feats in addressing many challenges in nanomedicine such as immune responses, inflammation, biospecific targeting and treatment, and so on. This review, therefore, provides a diverse account of the recent advances in the fabrication of biocompatible nano-drug delivery platforms for chemotherapeutic applications, as well as combination therapy, theragnostic, and other diseases that are of interest to scientists in the pharmaceutical industries. Thus, careful consideration of the "property of choice" would be an ideal way to realize specific functions from a set of delivery platforms. Looking ahead, there is an enormous prospect for nanoparticle properties in regulating biocompatibility.

Synthesis, physical properties, and biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles: a review

Recent innovations in nanotechnology have opened the applicability of multifunctional nanoparticles (NPs) in biomedical diagnosis and treatment. The examples of NPs which have attracted considerable attention in recent years are metals (e.g., Au, Ag, Mg), alloys (e.g., Fe-Co, Fe-Pd, Fe-Pt, Co-Pt), iron oxides (e.g., Fe₂O₃ and Fe₃O₄), substituted ferrites (e.g., MnFe₂O₄ and CoFe₂O₄), manganites (e.g., [Formula: see text]), etc. Special attention has been paid to magnetic NPs (MNPs), as they are the potential candidates for several biomedical appliances, such as hyperthermia applications, magnetic resonance imaging, contrast imaging, and drug delivery. To achieve effective MNPs, a thorough investigation on the synthesis, and characteristic properties, including size, magnetic properties, and toxicity, is required. Furthermore, the surfaces of the NPs must be tailored to improve the biocompatibility properties and reduce agglomeration. The present review focuses on different mechanisms to develop biocompatible MNPs. The utility of these MNPs in various biomedical applications, especially in treating and diagnosing human diseases, such as targeted drug delivery, hyperthermia treatment for cancer, and other biomedical diagnoses, is thoroughly discussed in this article. Different synthetic processes and important physical properties of these MNPs and their biocomposites are presented.

Green Synthesis of Hexagonal Hematite (α-Fe2O3) Flakes Using Pluronic F127-Gelatin Template for Adsorption and Photodegradation of Ibuprofen

Hematite (α-Fe2O3) with uniform hexagonal flake morphology has been successfully synthesized using a combination of gelatin as natural template with F127 via hydrothermal method. The resulting hematite was investigated as adsorbent and photocatalyst for removal of ibuprofen as pharmaceutical waste. Hexagonal flake-like hematite was obtained following calcination at 500 °C with the average size was measured at 1-3 µm. Increasing the calcination temperature to 700 °C transformed the uniform hexagonal structure into cubic shape morphology. Hematite also showed high thermal stability with increasing the calcination temperatures; however, the surface area was reduced from 47 m2/g to 9 m2/g. FTIR analysis further confirmed the formation Fe-O-Fe bonds, and the main constituent elements of Fe and O were observed in EDX analysis for all samples. α-Fe2O3 samples have an average adsorption capacity of 55-25.5 mg/g at 12-22% of removal efficiency when used as adsorbent for ibuprofen. The adsorption capacity was reduced as the calcination temperatures increased due to the reduction of available surface area of the hexagonal flakes after transforming into cubes. Photocatalytic degradation of ibuprofen using hematite flakes achieved 50% removal efficiency; meanwhile, combination of adsorption and photocatalytic degradation further removed 80% of ibuprofen in water/hexane mixtures.

Nitric oxide inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 247.6 cells by ibuprofen-conjugated iron oxide nanoparticles

Aim: To develop a series of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) by coconjugating them with ibuprofen (ibu) and glycerol phosphate (glycerol) or ibu and glucose-1-phosphate and to assess capacity of these conjugates to inhibit the release of nitric oxide (NO) in macrophages, even at low concentrations. Materials & methods: The SPION conjugates were characterized and their properties evaluated showing the influence of those ligands on colloidal stability and inhibition of NO-release demonstrated. The cytotoxicity and possible anti-inflammatory activity were evaluated using murine macrophages (RAW 247.6). Results: SPION-glycerol phosphate/ibu conjugates inhibited the NO production induced by lipopolysaccharides, indicating a potential anti-inflammatory activity. Conclusion: SPION conjugated with ibu was shown to inhibit NO-release even at very low concentrations, suggesting possible action against inflammatory diseases.