Study of multifunctional PLGA-SPION nanoparticles loaded with Gemcitabine as radiosensitizer

Abstract This study aimed to modify the biological response of cells to ionizing radiation by combination therapy using radio-sensitizer agent and anticancer drug. Super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were prepared and used with gemcitabine (Gem). These two agents were encapsulated simultaneously into poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) to form multifunctional drug delivery system. The physicochemical characteristics of the nanoparticles (NPs) were studied. The dose enhancement ratio (DER) of various treatment groups was calculated and compared using human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). The DER for PLGA-SPION-Gem was the highest at 1 Gy 60Co (3.18). Cumulative effect from simultaneous use of two radiosensitizer (Gem and SPIONs) was observed. Thus, we have successfully developed PLGA NPs loaded with gemcitabine and SPION as a radiosensitizer system which potentially could be used in radiotherapy.