A new theranostic complex based on bismuth-iron oxide nanoparticle for myocardial ischemia: in vitro study

Magnetic nanoparticles of bismuth oxide and iron oxide (BOIO NPs) are extensively used for more accurate medical diagnosis in MRI and CT imaging due to their improved X-ray absorbance and magnetic properties. The nanoparticles (NPs) utilized in the diagnosis of damaged tissue can also be considered an improvement factor in treatment. In this study, an anti-inflammatory drug, indomethacin, was loaded on BOIO NPs.

The BOIO NPs were synthesized using the hydrothermal precipitation method. To ensure stable dispersion, the NPs were coated with silica-polyethylene glycol (PEG). Indomethacin was also used to alleviate the initial inflammation. The drug was loaded on the PEG shell with a solvent.

Cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory tests were carried out on H9C2 cells and H2O2 treated cells. MRI and CT signal amplification was evaluated in the phantom. In MRI and CT, the signal surge of these NPs investigated at four concentrations (0, 0.85, 1.7, 3.4 mg/ml) by significant differences (P< 0.05). The best drug loading efficiency (DLE) and drug loading content (DLC) were measured as 58.5 ±8 % and 10.5 ±1.3 % respectively. Invitro drug release evaluated after 72 h was about 44.08±0.01%. 

According to the results of MRI and CT techniques and signal amplification relative to water for PEGsi-BOIO NPs, it is concluded that these NPs could be employed to track any inflammated tissue. The cytotoxicity results demonstrated the improvement of the induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in H9C2 tissue cells and its capability through the delivery of indomethacin.