Preparation and characterization of magnetic gold nanoparticles to be used as doxorubicin nanocarriers

Abstract Magnetic targeted drug delivery (MTD), using magnetic gold nanoparticles (Fe3 O4 @Au NPs) conjugated with an anti-cancer drug is a promise modality for cancer treatment. In this study, Fe3 O4 @Au NPs were prepared and functionalized with thiol-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG), then loaded with anti-cancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). The physical properties of the prepared NPs were characterized using different techniques. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the mono dispersed nature of Fe3 O4 @Au NPs with an average size of 20 nm which was confirmed using Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. Zeta potential measurements along with UV–VIS spectroscopy demonstrated surface DOX loading on Fe3 O4 @Au NPs. Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) assured the existence of both iron and gold elements in the prepared NPs. The paramagnetic properties of the prepared NPs were assessed by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The maximum DOX-loading capacity was 100 μg DOX/mg of Fe3 O4 @Au NPs. It was found that DOX released more readily at acidic pH. In vitro studies on MCF-7 cell line elucidated that DOX loaded Fe3 O4 @Au NPs (Fe3 O4 @Au-PEG-DOX) have more potent therapeutic effect than free DOX. Knowledge gained in this study may open the door to pursue Fe3 O4 @Au NPs as a viable nanocarriers for different molecules delivery in many diagnostic and therapeutic applications.