A multifunctional hierarchically assembled magnetic nanostructure towards cancer nano-theranostics

Nowadays, iron oxide nanoparticles are among the most interesting carriers in simultaneous drug delivery and magnetic resonance imaging applications (theranostics). In this study, Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized by a co-precipitation method followed by coating with an active-bioglass layer. This nanostructure is functionalized with hyperbranched polyglycerol through ring-opening polymerization of glycidol. The carrier was characterized using TEM, FT-IR, XRD, TGA, and elemental analysis. The results showed that the diameter of the carrier was between 20-30 nm. The cytotoxicity and cellular uptake results indicated that this nanostructure did not induce any cytotoxicity while expressing good potential as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging. Moreover, curcumin was loaded on the carrier as a hydrophobic sample drug. The results showed a significant increase in curcumin solubility, which revealed the potential of this nanostructure in simultaneous cancer diagnosis and therapy.