The magnetic inorganic-organic nanocomposite based on ZnFe2O4-Imatinib-liposome for biomedical applications, in vivo and in vitro study

Liposomes with innovative chemical and physical properties revealed huge potential as drug delivery systems for cancer treatment. Major cause of death is cancer and a main issue in cancer therapy is less ability of target trapy. The current research, objects to advance a unique electromagnetic drug delivery system to carry an anticancer drug (Imatinib (IM)) by loading the drug in magnetic liposome nanocomposites in order to reach targeted drug delivery in the presence of AMF (alternative magnetic field) in order to reduce the administration time and drug dose and possible side effects. Well crystallized ZnFe2O4 ultrafine nanoparticles with coral shape and particle size of 22.36 ± 2.21 nm synthesized by a hydrothermal method in the presence of Teucrium polium (a green synthesis). Biocompatibility of the nanoparticles are demonstrated through cytotoxicity test via MTT assay on U87 cell lines. The in vitro results demonstrates that AMF strongly promoted IM release from magnetoliposome nanocomposites as a result of nanoparticle motions in the pool of liposome nanocomposite at the applied frequency, owing to an alteration of the permeability of bilayer. In vivo biodistribution results suggested magnetically controlled accumulation of liposomes in the targeted sites more rapidly and efficiently. These primary results open up novel viewpoints in the use of these carriers in controlled and targeted release of drugs. Definitely, the multidisciplinary method may help improve the efficacy of cancer therapy. •Magnetic ZnFe2O4 nanostructures with well-controlled size were prepared in the presence of Teucrium polium as a novel green precursor.•Hyaluronic acid-coated imatinib-loaded magnetic liposomes indicated no cytotoxicity effect to A172 cell line and Dual-targeting drug delivery ability.•In the presence of AMF, magnetic nanoliposomes revealed excellent magnetic targeting drug release, in vivo and in vitro.