Multifunctional Ultrasmall Theranostic Nanohybrids Developed by Ultrasonic Atomizer for Drug Delivery and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Theranostic nanoparticulate systems (TNPs) have shown potential in addressing problems related to spatial localization and temporally controlled release of drugs with the capabilities of real-time imaging to evaluate the progress of therapy. The current study reports the ultrasonic atomization-led synthesis of in vitro and in vivo evaluations of ultrasmall chitosan-based theranostic nanohybrid formulations with encapsulated doxorubicin (DOX) and iron-oxide magnetic nanoparticles. The nanohybrid particles are characterized using transmission electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, FTIR, DOX encapsulation efficiency, in vitro release, cellular uptake, and toxicity. These formulations were also tested for the capability of invivo tumor reduction and simultaneous magnetic resonance imaging using Swiss albino mice. Ultrasonic atomizer-led synthesis resulted in chitosan-magnetic nanohybrids (CMNPs) having sizes of 15 +/- 3 nm which comprise MNP of 10 +/- 3 nm. The encapsulation of DOX in CMNP was around 25%, resulting in an 80% sustained release over 10 days at pH 5 and 7. CMNP was also found to be an efficient DOX delivery vehicle tested on cancer cells (HeLa). The CMNPs were able to reduce the tumor volume by 60% in 15 days. The inherent magnetic property and nanoscale size of CMNPs also provided for enhanced contrast efficiency in magnetic resonance imaging of tumors. Thus, such multifunctional theranostic nanoparticles can be an efficient tool for targeted diagnostic and therapeutic success.