Synthesis and in vitro anticancer evaluation of 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol Loaded PLGA based iron oxide nanoparticles

For precise delivery of 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol (IPMP), Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) based superparamagnetic nanoparticles loaded with IPMP (IMNPs) were synthesized and characterized. IMNPs with a particle size of 223 ± 20.7 nm were synthesized by solvent evaporation method. Fe3O4 nanoparticles of 33 ± 3.63 nm encapsulated in the PLGA polymer provides the superparamagnetic property to the IMNPs. The entrapment efficacy of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol and average cumulative percentage release profile of IPMP from the IMNPs were investigated. The magnetic nanocarrier enhanced the stability and activity of IPMP. Release of IPMP from IMNPs occurred in a controlled manner. The cytotoxicity of IMNPs against human hepatoma Hep3B cell line was investigated and the IC50 value was found to be 20 μg/mL for IMNPs compared to 25 μg/mL for free IPMP. The result showed that IMNPs had significant antitumor activity. Therefore, IMNPs may be considered as an effective anticancer drug delivery system for cancer chemotherapy.