Magnetic fluid poly(ethylene glycol) with moderate anticancer activity

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-containing magnetic fluids – magnetite (Fe3O4) stabilized by sodium oleate – were prepared. Magnetic measurements confirmed superparamagnetic behaviour at room temperature. The structure of that kind of magnetic fluid was characterized using different techniques, including electron microscopy, photon cross correlation spectroscopy and small-angle neutron scattering, while the adsorption of PEG on magnetic particles was analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. From the in vitro toxicity tests it was found that a magnetic fluid containing PEG (MFPEG) partially inhibited the growth of cancerous B16 cells at the highest tested dose (2.1 mg/ml of Fe3O4 in MFPEG).

Research Highlights
► A new type of biocompatible magnetic fluid (MF) with poly(ethylene glycol) was prepared.
► Structuralization effects of magnetite particles depend on PEG concentration.
► Large fractals of magnetite nanoparticles in MF were observed (SANS indication).
► MF partially inhibited (approximately 50%) the growth of cancerous B16 cells.