Methylene blue associated with maghemite nanoparticles has antitumor activity in breast and ovarian carcinoma cell lines

Abstract Background Cancer constitutes group of diseases responsible for the second largest cause global death, and it is currently considered one main public health concerns nowadays. Early diagnosis associated with best choice therapeutic strategy, essential to achieve success in cancer treatment. In women, breast most common type, whereas ovarian has highest lethality when compared other neoplasms female genital system. The present work, therefore, proposes association methylene blue citrate-coated maghemite nanoparticles (MAGCIT–MB) as a nanocomplex treatment cancer. Results vitro studies showed that T-47D A2780 cell lines underwent significant reduction viability after MAGCIT–MB, an event not observed non-tumor (HNTMC HUVEC) cells MDA-MB-231, triple-negative line. Flow cytometry experiments suggest mechanism endocytosis involved interiorization MAGCIT–MB clathrin pathway, both late apoptosis necrosis are types death caused by nanocomplex. Scanning electron microscopy light reveal changes morphology. Quantification reactive oxygen species confirmed cytotoxic its importance tumor cells. lower cytotoxicity individual solution citrate (MAGCIT) free (MB) shows their enhanced potential vitro. Conclusions Treatment induces but normal These results highlight core drug delivery increasing activity, aiming at Graphic