Dextran-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles with ratio-dependent drug loading: structural characterization and cytotoxicity in colorectal cancer cells
Aynura Karimova, Sabina Hajizada, Habiba Shirinova, Sevinj Nuriyeva, Lаla Gahramanli, Aygun Mehdiyeva, Goncha Eyvazova, Toghrul Sadikhov, Natalia Lenz, Inji Nasirova, Christoph Reißfelder, Vugar Yagublu
Abstract
Introduction This study focuses on the development of dextran-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4 @Dextran NPs) as carriers for chrysin, a natural flavonoid with recognized anticancer activity. Methods Fe 3 O 4 @Dextran NPs were synthesized via co-precipitation and loaded with chrysin at different drug-to-nanoparticle ratios. Structural and physicochemical characterization was performed using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM). Drug loading efficiency was determined spectrophotometrically. The anticancer efficacy of the drug-loaded samples was assessed in vitro against HCT-116 human colorectal carcinoma cells using the MTT assay, with statistical analysis performed by one-way ANOVA. Results XRD revealed an average crystallite size of 17 nm for Fe 3 O 4 @Dextran, which decreased to ∼15 nm upon chrysin loading. FTIR confirmed the successful incorporation of chrysin without compromising structural stability. VSM measurements demonstrated superparamagnetic behavior with a saturation magnetization of 69.2 emu/g. Drug loading efficiencies were 42%, 54%, and 57% at drug-to-nanoparticle ratios of 1:0.5, 1:1, and 1:2, respectively, with evidence of saturation at higher concentrations. The Fe 3 O 4 @Dextran+D2 formulation exhibited optimal drug loading, maintaining structural integrity and enhanced cytotoxic activity against HCT-116 cells. Conclusion Fe 3 O 4 @Dextran+D2 demonstrated favorable structural integrity (as evidenced by XRD and FTIR analyses) along with notable anticancer activity against HCT-116 cells. Its performance is attributed to optimal drug loading without surface saturation, supporting its potential as a structurally stable drug delivery system.