Characterization of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and their Effect on Viability in Cancer and Non-cancerous Cell-lines

Abstract Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) have demonstrated potential biomedical 
application, mainly for cancer treatment. In this work, SPION were successfully synthesized by 
the coprecipitation method, followed by coating and functionalization with 3-aminopropyl
triethoxysilane (APTES). The synthesized samples (SPION and SPION@APTES) were 
characterized by their microscopic morphology, electrical charge, composition, and their 
superparamagnetic behavior was confirmed by SQUID analysis. The aqueous stability of SPION 
and SPION@APTES was significantly improved upon APTES coating, enhancing their potential 
as therapeutic molecules. Evaluation of cell viability upon exposure to SPION was assessed 
through 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in three cell
lines (non-tumoral HaCaT, tumoral cervical HeLa, and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer). HeLa cells 
showed greater tolerance to both samples of SPION than the other cell lines. Conversely, MDA
MB-231 and HaCaT cells showed significant differences between SPION and SPION@APTES. A 
dose-dependent decrease in cell viability was observed in the three cell-lines at concentrations >200 
μg/mL for both samples SPION and SPION@APTES. It was demonstrated that dosage, exposure 
time, and the use of specific cell-lines must be considered when assessing SPION toxicity and its 
therapeutic potential.