Synthesis, characterization, cell imaging and anti-tumor activity of multifunctional nanoparticles

Most anticancer complexes are unable to differentiate between diseased and healthy cells, systemic toxicity and undesired side effects can result. In the current study, a PEG and RGD peptides functionalized fluorescent dye Rhodamine B isothiocyanate (RBITC) doped magnetic silica nanoparticle (MnFe3O4@SiO2-PEG-RGD), carrying a anticancer superparamagnetic Mn(II) complex, was synthesized and characterized using spectroscopic methods. The multifunctional nanoparticles (MnFe3O4@SiO2-PEG-RGD) can image HepG-2 cells and differentiate between HepG-2 and WRL-68 cells based on T1 MR imaging technology. The in vitro fluorescence image and inhibition assay on the proliferation of HeLa cells indicate that MnFe3O4@SiO2-PEG-RGD nanoparticles can effectively reach the tumor site, be internalized by endocytosis and then retain in cancer cells due to the retention effect of nanoparticles. This study demonstrated that a PEG and RGD peptides functionalized silica nanoparticle was a good carrier for the anticancer complexes, and the anticancer complexes loaded multifunctional nanoparticles could be developed as special agents in monitoring therapy of cancer.

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► A fluorescent superparamagnetic silica nanoparticle was synthesized.
► The nanoparticles can image HepG-2 cells.
► The nanoparticles could differentiate HepG-2 from WRL-68 cells.
► It can be internalized by endocytosis.