Rf Hyperthermia by Encapsulated Fe₃O₄ Nanoparticles Induces Cancer Cell Death Via Time-Dependent Caspase-3 Activation

Abstract

Aim: To explore the optimum temperature for cancer cell death using magnetic hyperthermia (MH), which in turn will affect the mode of cell death. Method: The focus of this study is to improve upon the existing methodology for the synthesis of chitosan encapsulated Fe₃O₄. MH was done at different temperatures. The cell death pathway was explored using flow cytometry and western blot. Results: Coated Fe₃O₄ exhibited low cytotoxicity, high stability and heating efficiency. MH at 43°C was the optimum temperature for robust cell death. Cell death pathway suggested that during the initial stages of recovery, apoptosis was the main mode of cell death. While at later stages, major apoptosis and minor necrosis were observed. Conclusion: It is important to find out the long-term effect of hyperthermia treatment on cancer cells and their consequences on surrounding healthy cells.

Keywords::

• apoptosis
• cancer
• caspase-3
• magnetic hyperthermia
• specific absorption rate

Supplementary data

To view the supplementary data that accompany this paper please visit the journal website at: www.tandfonline.com/doi/suppl/10.2217/nnm-2019-0187

Financial & competing interest disclosure

This work is supported by the UPOE-II grant UGC, JNU and DST-Purse grant of the Government of India. Authors (A Chauhan & R Kumar) are thankful to the University grant commission, India, for providing financial assistance. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Acknowledgments

Authors would like to thank Advanced Instrumentation Research Facility (AIRF), JNU for providing TEM, FT-IR and VSM facility. Authors would also like to thank School of Physical Sciences, JNU, Delhi, India for providing XRD facility.

Additional information

Funding

This work is supported by the UPOE-II grant UGC, JNU and DST-Purse grant of the Government of India. Authors (A Chauhan & R Kumar) are thankful to the University grant commission, India, for providing financial assistance. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.