Apoptosis-based topotecan-loaded superparamagnetic drug delivery system: an in vitro study

Biological barriers could be overcome using nanobiotechnology, which promotes the development of nanomaterial-based delivery systems. The primary objective of the present investigation is superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION) production for the delivery of topotecan to human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). The X-ray diffraction results confirmed the formation of pure SPIONs. The Fourier transform infrared spectra indicated the functional groups related to aminopropyl trimethoxy silane as a coating agent and topotecan. Topotecan-loaded magnetite nanoparticles with an IC₅₀ of approximately 156 μg/ml exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity. The polymerase chain reaction method also proved that in the mentioned cell line, topotecan-loaded SPIONs could increase the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and p53 gene expression. An annexin V/propidium iodide detection assay was done to detect the induction of apoptosis. According to the results, the nanoparticles inhibit the survival of MCF-7 breast cancer cells by boosting apoptosis, which helps slow the growth of tumor cells.