Synthesis and characterization of pH-triggered doxorubicin-conjugated polydopamine-coated cobalt ferrite nanoparticles for in-vitro/in-vivo studies in liver cancer therapy

Polydopamine-coated cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (PDA-coated CF-NPs) were synthesized and characterized for their potential in drug delivery evaluation. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) showed postcoating spherical shape of magnetic PDA NPs. The scattering intensity at zero angle (I(0)) of PDAcoated CF (0.01) had higher scattering intensity than CF-NPs (0.49 x 10-3). PDA increased the flexibility degree of unfolding on Kratky plot shifting from 1.05 to 1.87 at same qRg values. The pair-distance distribution function (P(r)) of PDA-coated CF-NPs indicated a more homogeneous and compact scattering structure. GNOM indicated larger size for CF, while PDA-coated CF (a narrower and taller peak) displayed a more compact and uniform scattering profile. PDA reduced crystallinity size to 2.51 nm with amorphous peaks at 38.12 degrees, 44.28 degrees, and 64.43 degrees degree and infrared spectrum confirmed PDA incorporation onto CF-NPs. PDA-coated CF had 1.5-fold larger pore size and enhanced surface area. CF and PDAcoated CF exhibited "S" shape behavior in Langevin function without hysteresis. The kinetic models suggested Fickian diffusion and sustainable release for the erosion-dominated release of the PDA-coated CF. In vitro, doxorubicin (DOX)-carried PDA-coated CF (D-P@CF) showed low toxicity to HepG2 cells; in vivo, liver tumor inhibition indicated medication delivery potential for cancer treatment. (c) 2023 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.