A zinc ferrite nanodrug carrier for delivery of docetaxel: synthesis, characterization, and in vitro tests on C6 glioma cells

Abstract

Aim

Docetaxel (DTX) loaded bio-compatible PLGA-PEG encapsulated zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZFNP) formulation was developed and evaluated against C6 glioma cells.

Methods

The ZFNP were characterised using XRD, FE-SEM, TEM, etc. A series of drug formulations were fabricated by conjugating hydrothermally synthesised ZFNP with DTX in a PLGA-PEG matrix and optimised for drug loading. FTIR and DLS analysis of the formulation along with in vitro drug release, cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and haemolytic effect were evaluated.

Results

Spherical, monodisperse, crystalline ZFNP with an average size of ∼28 nm were formed. The optimised formulation showed a hydrodynamic diameter of ∼147 nm, a surface charge of −34.8 mV, a drug loading of 6.9% (w/w) with prolonged drug release properties, and higher toxicity in C6 glioma cells compared to free DTX along with good internalisation and negligible haemolysis.

Conclusion

The results indicate ZFNP could be effectively used as nanodrug carrier for delivery of docetaxel to glioma cells.

Keywords:

• Zinc ferrite nanoparticles
• docetaxel
• C6 glioma cells
• cytotoxicity
• cellular uptake

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

J.P. acknowledges UGC for providing UGC-BSR fellowship (Ref. No. P-1/RS/86/16). Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB), Govt. of India is thankfully acknowledged for research funding (Project Nos. ECR/2017/003250 and EEQ/2016/000617). The UPE and DSA program of UGC and the PURSE program of DST, Government of India are also acknowledged.