Anti-plasmodial effects of quinine-loaded magnetic nanocomposite coated with heparin

The application of nano-based materials in intelligent, innovative drug delivery systems (SDDS) is developing rapidly to treat infectious diseases like malaria. In the present study, magnetite (Fe3O4) nanocomposite coated with heparin (Hep) was designed to deliver quinine (Q) for anti-plasmodial purposes. The MTT assay, Artemia salina lethality, and hemolysis test were adopted to evaluate the nanocomposite's cytotoxicity, biotoxicity, and biocompatibility. The cumulative drug release profile revealed that this Q-loaded nanocomposite could accel-erate the release of its payload in an acidic condition (pH 5.4), which mimics the digestive vacuole (DV) of the parasite. The in vivo anti-plasmodial activity indicated that the Q-loaded nanocomposite exhibited great anti-plasmodial activity than free quinine. The experimental results showed that the presence of heparin on the surface of the nanocomposite could significantly reduce cytotoxicity, biotoxicity, and acute toxicity. Besides, SEM, TEM, and HRTEM images indicated that nonstabilized Fe3O4 particles have significant aggregation, but the presence of heparin can play a role as a stabilizing agent. These biocompatible, nontoxic nanocomposites offer great potential for anti-plasmodial drug delivery.

Automated summary

The application of nano-based materials in intelligent drug delivery systems is advancing rapidly and shows great potential for treating infectious diseases like malaria. In this study, a nanocomposite coated with heparin was designed to deliver quinine for anti-plasmodial purposes. The nanocomposite exhibited high anti-plasmodial activity and improved cytotoxicity, biotoxicity, and acute toxicity compared to free quinine. The presence of heparin also acted as a stabilizing agent for the nanocomposite.