Long-term biodistribution and toxicity of curcumin capped iron oxide nanoparticles after single-dose administration in mice

Aim: In this study, in vivo biodistribution, clearness and toxicity of curcumin capped iron oxide nanoparticles (Cur-IONPs) were addressed in different body organs. Materials and methods: The physicochemical properties of the prepared Cur-IONPs were investigated. Long term (3 weeks) biodistribution, clearness and toxicity were assessed for a single-dose administration of Cur-IONPs (5 mg/kg). The iron content in liver, kidney, spleen and brain was quantified using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Serum biochemical parameters were also measured. Key findings: The integrated in vivo results demonstrated that Cur-IONPs was mostly taken up in the liver and spleen reaching its highest levels on days 1 and 2, respectively. In the brain, the results showed significant accumulation of Cur-IONPs between 1 h to 1-day post injection. This represented the successful penetration Cur-IONPs across the blood-brain barrier. Serum biochemical analysis demonstrated a temporal disturbance in the performance of body organs. Also, the body weights showed no alteration throughout the experiment. Significance: It has been deduced that the promising green synthesized Cur-IONPs as an All in One nanoplatform is safe enough to be used in diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.