Synthesis and characterization of metformin conjugated magnetic nanocomposite with enhanced activity against the human carcinoma cells

In this study, a magnetic nanocomposite of hematite Fe2O3 and magnetite Fe3O4 has been synthesized by the solgel method and then conjugated with the Gd2O3, activated charcoal and the drug metformin (5mol%)) by mechanical alloying the powders. The synthesized nanocomposite (without drug) and the drug-conjugated nanocomposite have been well characterized using several experimental procedures like the analysis of the XRD patterns, FTIR, and UV-Vis spectra. The average particle sizes of the samples have been obtained by analyzing FESEM and TEM images. The elemental compositions and their distribution over the localized surface have been revealed from EDS spectra and elemental mapping. The magnetic properties of the samples have also been characterized by analyzing the MH loops and the MT curves. The biocompatibility of the samples has been tested against the human normal lung fibroblast WI38 cells by MTT assay. The enhanced activity of the drug-conjugated nanocomposite to inhibit the growth of the carcinoma cells has been confirmed against the A549 cells and HeLa cells by calculating the IC50 dose. It has been revealed that the drug-conjugated nanocomposite and the pure 100% metformin have almost similar efficacy against human carcinoma cells. In the case of the drug-conjugated sample, only 5 mol% drug was present. Thus, a significant enhancement of the drug efficacy has been confirmed after conjugating it with the nanocomposite sample. It is an entirely new method by which the effectiveness of metformin to inhibit the growth of human carcinoma cells has been enhanced significantly by conjugating it with a biocompatible nanocomposite. The drug-conjugated magnetic nanocomposite will reduce the side effects of the drug for its prolonged use.