The current study was designed to synthesize a nanoformula comprising of magnetite nanoparticles (MN) with mesoporous silica (MS), which was in turn coated with chitosan (CS) and further loaded with a chemotherapeutic agent, Abemaciclib (ABE). The prepared formula, MN@MS@CS@ABE, was characterized by XRD, FTIR, HRTEM, FESEM, DLS, VSM, BET, and BJH. The ABE loading capacity and entrapment efficiency were calculated, and an in vitro drug release experiment was conducted. Cytoxicity was studied by the MTT assay. The formula was investigated as an anticancer agent versus MCF-7 cells by performing Annexin V-FITC flow cytometry and cell cycle analysis. Furthermore, we examine the formula as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). ABE loading and encapsulation efficiency were 24.2 % and 63.4 %, respectively. The formula demonstrated sustained drug release behavior for 72 h. The MTT assay revealed a higher cytotoxicity of free ABE in MCF-7 cells compared to MN@MS@CS@ABE. Flow cytometry revealed early and late phases of apoptosis and necrosis with different percentages. The formula stimulated a reduction in signal intensity in the MR T2-weighted imaging technique. In conclusion, the current study developed a nanoformula which could be a promising theranostic agent in cancer therapy and diagnosis.
Keywords: Abemaciclib; Breast cancer; Magnetite; Nanoparticles; Theranostic.
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