Apoptosis-based topotecan-loaded superparamagnetic drug delivery system: an in vitro study

Abstract

Biological barriers could be overcome using nano-biotechnology, which promotes the development of nanomaterial-based delivery systems. The primary objective of the present investigation focuses on superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION) production for the delivery of topotecan to human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). The XRD results confirm the formation of pure SPION. The FTIR spectra indicate the functional groups related to aminopropyl trimethoxy silane (APTS) as a coating agent and topotecan. Topotecan-loaded magnetite nanoparticles with an IC₅₀ of approximately 156 µg/mL exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity. The PCR method also proved that, in the mentioned cell line, topotecan-loaded SPION could increase the Bax/Bcl2 ratio and P53 gene expression. Annexin V/PI detection assay was done in order to detect the induction of apoptosis. According to the results, the nanoparticles inhibitively influence the survival of the MCF-7 breast cancer cells via boosting apoptosis, which helps to slow the growth of tumor cells.