Synthesis and Characterization of Deferasirox PLGA Nanoparticles and Investigation of Toxicity in Cell Model

Cancer is one of the causes of mortality worldwide. Evidence suggests that iron depletion by a chelator agent suppresses the development of some cancer cells. Deferasirox is shown to have anticancer properties. This research aims to synthesize and evaluate the effects of deferasirox nanoparticles on human breast cancer cells (SKBR3) and mouse breast cancer cells (4T1) compared with the drug form.

Deferasirox nanoparticles were synthesized by Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) moiety with emulsion formation and solvent evaporation. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay and their 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) were assessed in SKBR3 and 4T1.

Findings showed that IC50 of nano-deferasirox for SKBR3 and 4T1 were 9.09±0.011 µg/ml and 6.6±0.032 µg/ml, respectively and the IC50 of the deferasirox drug form for SKBR3 and 4T1 IC50 were 21.07±0.003 µg/ml and 11.08±0.013 µg/ml, respectively.

The anticancer effects of deferasirox were confirmed on the cell lines, and the improved properties and efficacy were also confirmed on two cancer cell lines. Nanoparticle delivery systems improve absorption and drug properties and increase the effectiveness of the drug.