The Effect of Superparamagnetic Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Combined with Quercetin on Breast Cancer Cell Line (MCF-7)

Background: Magnetic nanoparticles attract increasing interest due to their use in cancer therapy and as drug carriers for several other diseases. The present study investigates the physiochemical properties of quercetin-conjugated superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles and their effects on breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Methods: A simple precipitation method was used to prepare the Poly Ethylene Imine (PEI)-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles; they were then conjugated with flavonoid-compound quercetin on the surface via carboxylic/amine group using nanoprecipitation method. Then, the physical and chemical parameters were calculated using Zeta-sizer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and extract release patterns at 37 and 42 0C. Finally, the toxicity level of this quercetin- conjugated nanosystem on the MCF-7 cells was investigated by MTT assay. Results: The results showed that the prepared nanosystem attained about 74% of quercetin inclusion, 91.2 nm size, 65.1 mV zeta potential, spherical morphology and a controlled release. Compared to Fe3O4 nanoparticles and pure quercetin, MTT and microscopy analysis revealed that quercetin-conjugated Fe3O4 nanoparticles induced considerable cytotoxicity, and morphology changes against MCF7 cells. Conclusion: Quercetin-conjugated Fe3O4 nanoparticles have appropriate physiochemical properties; they can be a suitable carrier for drug delivery and a promising therapy for candidates.