Multifunctional nanocarriers of Fe3O4@PLA-PEG/curcumin for MRI, magnetic hyperthermia and drug delivery

Background: Despite medicinal advances, cancer is still a big problem requiring better diagnostic and treatment tools. Magnetic nanoparticle (MNP)-based nanosystems for multiple-purpose applications were developed for these unmet needs. Methods: This study fabricated novel trifunctional MNPs of Fe3O4@PLA-PEG for drug release, MRI and magnetic fluid hyperthermia. Result: The MNPs provided a significant loading of curcumin (similar to 11%) with controllable release ability, a high specific absorption rate of 82.2 W/g and significantly increased transverse relaxivity (r(2) = 364.75 mM(-1) s(-1)). The in vivo study confirmed that the MNPs enhanced MRI contrast in tumor observation and low-field magnetic fluid hyperthermia could effectively reduce the tumor size in mice bearing sarcoma 180. Conclusion: The nanocarrier has potential for drug release, cancer treatment monitoring and therapy. Plain language summaryIn this study, the authors designed and fabricated novel magnetic trifunctional nanoparticles of Fe3O4@PLA-PEG. The 8.5 nm Fe3O4 core was covered with the polymeric matrix of PLA-PEG to encapsulate an anticancer agent of curcumin at a content of about 11%. Curcumin release from the nanoparticles (NPs) could be controlled by applying a remote alternating magnetic field. The NPs enhanced MRI contrast, which allowed the authors to better distinguish the tumor and surroundings in MR images, which would help monitor treatment. The heat that NPs generated when applied to a field at low intensity could effectively reduce the tumor size in mice bearing sarcoma 180. The nanocarrier, therefore, has potential for cancer treatment monitoring and drug release conjuvant with magnetic hyperthermia therapy.

Automated summary

In this study, novel magnetic trifunctional nanoparticles were designed and fabricated. These nanoparticles can be used for drug release, MRI, and magnetic fluid hyperthermia. The results showed that these nanoparticles have good drug loading and release ability, as well as high specific absorption rate and enhanced MRI contrast. Animal experiments further confirmed the advantages of these nanoparticles in tumor observation and magnetic fluid hyperthermia. Conclusion: These nanocarriers have the potential for drug release, cancer treatment monitoring, and therapy.