Hydroxyl-modified magnetite nanoparticles as novel carrier for delivery of methotrexate

•Hydroxyl-modified magnetite nanoparticle was developed.•TRIS applied as hydroxyl groups source.•The anti-cancer drug MTX was conjugated to nanopartcles.•The anti-cancer evaluation performed via MCF-7 cell line.

In this work, novel hydroxyl-modified magnetite nanocarriers are introduced as efficient host for methotrexate conjugation. The modification was based on the Micheal type addition reaction between tris(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane and acrylamidopropyl functionalized, silica-coated magnetite nanoparticle. The chemical structure characterization was carried out by FT-IR and the organic content was determined by CHN analysis. The topography was studied by SEM, TEM, AFM. DLS was performed to show particles’ mean diameter. Furthermore, the magnetite properties of modified particles were evaluated by VSM and the crystallinity was proved by XRD. To illustrate the efficiency of the modified particles, the anti-cancer drug methotrexate was conjugated to hydroxyl groups through estric bond formation. The controlled release activity of established nanoparticles was evaluated in simulated cellular fluid. Later, the anti-cancer behavior of drug conjugated nanoparticles was evaluated in vitro in MCF-7 cell line which showed enhanced toxicity after 48 h. Conclusively, the modified nanoparticles have remarked as powerful carrier to be applied as an anti-cancer agent.

Graphical abstractNovel hydroxyl-modified magnetite nanocarriers are introduced as efficient host for methotrexate conjugation known as (MNP-TRIS-MTX). The chemical structure was fully characterized and the topography was studied by well-known techniques. The anti-cancer behavior of drug conjugated nanoparticles was evaluated in vitro in MCF-7 cell line which showed enhanced toxicity and the structure remarked as potent anti-cancer agent.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (144 K)Download as PowerPoint slide