Polydopamine conjugated SiO2 nanoparticles as potential drug carriers for melanoma treatment

Plain language summaryTiny particles can be small enough to enter cells. This is why they may be useful in the treatment of cancer. We made particles in a way that is friendly for human cells, then we analyzed their effects on cancer cells. Our tests showed that these particles could be useful for treatment because they do not worsen cancer cells. This is important because sometimes after treatment, cancer cells can become more dangerous. This way, even if the drug did not work, the cancer will not worsen. Silica nanoparticles (SiO2) are increasingly investigated for biomedical applications. Aim: This study aimed to analyze the potential use of a SiO2 nanoparticles coated with biocompatible polydopamine (SiO2@PDA) as a potential chemotherapeutic drug carrier. Materials & methods: SiO2 morphology and PDA adhesion was analyzed by dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. Cytotoxicity studies and morphology analyses (immunofluorescence, scanning and transmission electron microscopy) were used to assess the cellular reaction to the SiO2@PDA nanoparticles and to identify a biocompatible (safe use) window. Results & conclusion: Concentrations above 10 mu g/ml and up to 100 mu g/ml SiO2@PDA showed the best biocompatibility on human melanoma cells at 24 h and represent a potential drug carrier template for targeted melanoma cancer treatment.

Automated summary

This study aimed to analyze the potential use of SiO2 nanoparticles coated with biocompatible polydopamine (SiO2@PDA) as a potential chemotherapeutic drug carrier. The results showed that concentrations above 10-100 μg/mL SiO2@PDA exhibited the best biocompatibility on human melanoma cells and could serve as a potential drug carrier template for targeted melanoma cancer treatment.