Magnetic liposomes as nanocarriers for a new potential antitumor drug

A research team leaded by Elisabete Castanheira and Paulo Coutinho, of the Centre of Physics of University of Minho, has been focused on the development of magnetic liposomes (“magnetoliposomes”), which combine magnetic nanoparticles and liposomes. The developed systems have been tested as nanocarriers for new potential antitumor drugs. The latter have been obtained at the Centre of Chemistry of University of Minho (Maria João Queiroz’s research group). In this study, recently published, a new molecule especially active against breast cancer was tested.

The goal of this research is a dual cancer therapy, in a combined approach of chemotherapy and magnetic hyperthermia. This dual therapy is expected to allow lower drug doses and to reduce side effects.

Autores e Afiliações:

Ana Rita O. Rodrigues,¹ Pedro M. F. Mendes,¹ Pedro M. L. Silva,¹ V. A. Machado,² Bernardo G. Almeida,^1,3 J. P. Araújo,⁴ Maria-João R. P. Queiroz,² Elisabete M. S. Castanheira,¹ Paulo J. G. Coutinho^1,3*

¹ Centro de Física da Universidade do Minho (CFUM), Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal

² Centro de Química da Universidade do Minho (CQ-UM), Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal

³ QuantaLab, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal

⁴ IFIMUP/IN - Instituto de Nanociência e Nanotecnologia, R. Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal

Abstract:

Iron oxide nanoparticles, with diameters around 12 nm, were synthesized by coprecipitation method. The magnetic properties indicate a superparamagnetic behavior with a coercive field of 9.7 Oe and a blocking temperature of 118 K. Both aqueous and solid magnetoliposomes containing magnetite nanoparticles have sizes below 150 nm, suitable for biomedical applications. Interaction between both types of magnetoliposomes and models of biological membranes was proven. A new antitumor compound, a diarylurea derivative of thienopyridine, active against breast cancer, was incorporated in both aqueous and solid magnetoliposomes, being mainly located in the lipid membrane. A promising application of these magnetoliposomes in oncology is anticipated, allowing a combined therapeutic approach, using both chemotherapy and magnetic hyperthermia.

Revista: Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces

Link: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0927776517304277