Dextran coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles as a near-infrared laser-driven photothermal agent for efficient ablation of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo

The photothermal effect of dextran coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles for cancer therapy is investigated in this work. The dextran/Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared by coprecipitation method. Results demonstrated that the dextran not only isolated the interior Fe3O4 nanoparticles from oxygen and water to enhance the photothermal stability, but also enhanced the biocompatibility of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. In vitro experiments indicated that dextran/Fe3O4 nanoparticles showed low toxicity to cells without any irradation. After near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation, however, the viabilities of tumor cells were effectively suppressed. Further in vivo experimental studies found that mice tumor growth was significantly inhibited by the photothermal effect of dextran/Fe3O4 nanoparticles. After 28 days the tumor was completely cleared. These dextran/Fe3O4 nanoparticles have biosecurity and high photothermal efficiency at the same time, thus promising high clinical potential.