Preparation of Fe3O4@SiO2@Tannic acid double core-shell magnetic nanoparticles via the Ugi multicomponent reaction strategy as a pH-responsive co-delivery of doxorubicin and methotrexate

Recent progress in the nanocarriers synthesis allows the utilization of dual-drug delivery systems (DDDS) that encapsulate two drugs to enhance treatment effects. In this regard, novel pH-responsive double core-shell magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) via the Ugi multicomponent reaction (Ugi-MCR) strategy were developed for simultaneously delivering of doxorubicin (DOX) and methotrexate (MTX) as anticancer drugs. The prepared materials were characterized by XRD, NMR, FT-IR, VSM, TGA, SEM, and DLS analysis. In-vitro drug loading and release behaviors were studied. DOX and MTX successfully loaded in the prepared nanocarriers that exhibited pH-controlled release of drugs in a sustained manner. The cytotoxicity study indicated that blank nanocarrier against MCF7 cell lines has a cytocompatible future; however, the co-administration of MTX with DOX has notable cytotoxicity to the MCF7 cell lines due to the formation of pseudo peptide skeletons in nanocarrier. According to the results, the prepared dual anticancer drug-loaded pH-responsive double core-shell magnetic NPs have the potential for anticancer therapy. [Display omitted] •Fe3O4@SiO2@Tann was successfully synthesized via the Ugi multicomponent reaction strategy.•DOX and MTX were loaded in the Fe3O4@SiO2@Tann double core-shell magnetic nanoparticles.•The DOX and MTX release rate at pH 5 were significantly higher than pH 7.4.•The co-administration of MTX with DOX has notable cytotoxicity to the MCF7 cell lines.