Magnetic field-inducible drug-eluting nanoparticles for image-guided thermo-chemotherapy

Multifunctional nanoparticles integrating cancer cell imaging and treatment modalities into a single platform are recognized as a promising approach; however, their development currently remains a challenge. In this study, we synthesized magnetic field-inducible drug-eluting nanoparticles (MIDENs) by embedding superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4; SPIONs) and cancer therapeutic drugs (doxorubicin; DOX) in a temperature-responsive poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanomatrix. Application of an external alternating magnetic field (AMF) generated heat above 42 °C and subsequent transition of the PLGA polymer matrix (Tg = 42–45 °C) from the glassy to the rubbery state, facilitating the controlled release of the loaded DOX, ultimately allowing for simultaneous hyperthermia and local heat-triggered chemotherapy for efficient dual cancer treatment. The average size of the synthesized MIDENs was 172.1 ± 3.20 nm in diameter. In vitro studies showed that the MIDENs were cytocompatible and especially effective in destroying CT26 colon cancer cells with AMF application. In vivo studies revealed that the MIDENs enabled enhanced T2 contrast magnetic resonance imaging and a significant suppression of malignant tumor growth under an AMF. Our multifunctional MIDENs, composed of biocompatible substances and therapeutic/imaging modalities, will be greatly beneficial for cancer image-guided thermo-chemotherapy applications.