DMSA-coated cubic iron oxide nanoparticles as potential therapeutic agents

Aim: Superparamagnetic cubic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were synthesized and functionalized with meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) as a potential agent for cancer treatment. Methods: Monodisperse cubic IONPs with a high value of saturation magnetization were synthesized by thermal decomposition method and functionalized with DMSA via ligand exchange reaction, and their cytotoxic effects on HeLa cells were investigated. Results: DMSA functionalized cubic IONPs with an edge length of 24.5 +/- 1.9 nm had a specific absorption rate value of 197.4 W/g(Fe) (15.95 kA/m and 488 kHz) and showed slight cytotoxicity on HeLa cells when incubated with 3.3 x 10(10), 6.6 x 10(10) and 9.9 x 10(10) NP/mL for 24, 48 and 72 h. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate both the cytotoxic effects of DMSA-coated cubic IONPs on HeLa cells and hyperthermia performance of these nanoparticles.

Automated summary

The study synthesized superparamagnetic cubic iron oxide nanoparticles functionalized with meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and investigated their cytotoxic effects on HeLa cells, showing slight toxicity at certain concentrations. This is the first study to examine the cytotoxic effects and hyperthermia performance of DMSA-coated cubic IONPs on HeLa cells.