Abstract:
Magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) and their surface modification with therapeutic
substances are of great interest, especially drug delivery for cancer therapy, including boron-neutron
capture therapy (BNCT). In this paper, we present the results of boron-rich compound (carborane
borate) attachment to previously aminated by (3-aminopropyl)-trimethoxysilane (APTMS) iron
oxide NPs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with Attenuated total reflectance accessory
(ATR-FTIR) and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis confirmed the change of the element content of
NPs after modification and formation of new bonds between Fe3O4 NPs and the attached molecules.
Transmission (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed Fe3O4 NPs’ average size of
18.9 nm. Phase parameters were studied by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the magnetic
behavior of Fe3O4 NPs was elucidated by Mössbauer spectroscopy. The colloidal and chemical
stability of NPs was studied using simulated body fluid (phosphate buffer—PBS). Modified NPs
have shown excellent stability in PBS (pH = 7.4), characterized by XRD, Mössbauer spectroscopy,
and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Biocompatibility was evaluated in-vitro using cultured mouse
embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). The results show us an increasing of IC50 from 0.110 mg/mL for Fe3O4
NPs to 0.405 mg/mL for Fe3O4-Carborane NPs. The obtained data confirm the biocompatibility and
stability of synthesized NPs and the potential to use them in BNCT.
