Synthesis and characterization of oleic acid-stabilized cobalt ferrite @MCM-41/nanocomposites for pH-responsive drug delivery

Abstract

This study presents composite nanoparticles combining cobalt ferrites-oleic acid (CF-OA) and mesoporous silica (MCM-41) for drug delivery. Temperature-dependent analyses at 25 and 42 °C reveal distinct alterations in particle size and distribution, emphasizing the role of oleate complexes in stabilizing the nanocomposites. Power of Laws calculations (n = 0.58, m = 0.44) assessed diffusion and matrix erosion effects, highlighting the pH-responsive behavior. Results showed CF-OA@MCM-41with nanometric scale and predominantly spherical morphology influenced by temperature variations. Nitrogen BET analysis revealed a surface area of 542.1 mg and a pore volume of 1.1 cmg. Drug release studies demonstrated controlled doxorubicin (DOX) release from CF-OA@MCM-41. In vivo studies showed significant tumor growth suppression (liver cancer): average tumor volume in D-C@M group was 167.8 mm after 21 days, compared to 1953.8 mm, 1203.6 mm, and 269 mm for PBS, CF-OA@MCM-41, and DOX alone respectively. In vitro, a 3 µg mL concentration showed no significant 293 T cell viability change and increased HEP G2 cell viability. Significant HEP G2 cell viability inhibition occurred at 1 and 2 µg mL CF-OA@MCM-41 carrying DOX, with p-values < 0.01 and < 0.001. CF-OA@MCM-41 nanoparticles exhibit promising potential for targeted cancer therapy due to their pH sensitivity and controlled drug release capabilities.