Functionalization of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for the biomedical application of magnetic hyperthermia against cancer cells

Nanomedicine has garnered significant interest in biomedical research due to the unique properties of materials at the nanoscale and the diverse possibilities for engineering these materials. These capabilities enable novel strategies for diagnosing, monitoring, and treating various diseases. One key feature of nanomedicine is its potential to develop targeted systems, allowing administered compounds to bind specifically to target sites, thereby reducing treatment side effects. Among the different types of nanostructures, magnetoliposomes stand out for combining the versatility and biocompatibility of lipid vesicles with the superparamagnetism of magnetic nanoparticles. This combination makes them suitable for applications such as drug delivery, magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic hyperthermia. This project aims to develop magnetoliposomes for the application of magnetic hyperthermia against liver and breast cancer cells, using a targeting system based on the exposure of phosphatidylserine on the outer membrane of cancer cells to mitigate side effects. Characterization of the samples was performed using dynamic light scattering (DLS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). TEM images and DLS analyses indicate that the synthesis methods employed produce magnetoliposomes with suitable dimensions and zeta potential for the intended applications. EPR spectra show a strong dependence between the lipid composition of the membrane and its capacity to retain iron content, with the adjustment of optimal parameters such as temperature, pH, and iron concentration during synthesis. DSC data indicate a reduction in the enthalpy change and the melting temperature of the membrane phase transition upon the MNP insertion, suggesting increased membrane fluidity. Furthermore, the retention of iron content within lipid vesicles was observed when incorporated by macrophages, highlighting their suitability for targeted cancer cell treatment. Our findings underscore the potential of magnetoliposomes in magnetic hyperthermia applications. Upcoming steps include cytotoxicity and magnetic hyperthermia tests, followed by procedures for conjugating ligands for active targeting of the nanostructures, which will further evaluate the potential of these magnetoliposomes in cancer treatment.