Silica nanoparticles (SiO2) are increasingly investigated for biomedical applications. Aim: This study aimed to analyze the potential use of a SiO2 nanoparticles coated with biocompatible polydopamine (SiO2@PDA) as a potential chemotherapeutic drug carrier. Materials & methods: SiO2 morphology and PDA adhesion was analyzed by dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. Cytotoxicity studies and morphology analyses (immunofluorescence, scanning and transmission electron microscopy) were used to assess the cellular reaction to the SiO2@PDA nanoparticles and to identify a biocompatible (safe use) window. Results & conclusion: Concentrations above 10 μg/ml and up to 100 μg/ml SiO2@PDA showed the best biocompatibility on human melanoma cells at 24 h and represent a potential drug carrier template for targeted melanoma cancer treatment.
Keywords: cytotoxicity; drug transporters; malignant melanoma; polydopamine; silicon oxide nanoparticles.
Tiny particles can be small enough to enter cells. This is why they may be useful in the treatment of cancer. We made particles in a way that is friendly for human cells, then we analyzed their effects on cancer cells. Our tests showed that these particles could be useful for treatment because they do not worsen cancer cells. This is important because sometimes after treatment, cancer cells can become more dangerous. This way, even if the drug did not work, the cancer will not worsen.