Magnetic transfection with superparamagnetic chitosan-loaded IGFBP5 nanoparticles and their in vitro biosafety

Purpose: To study the application of superparamagnetic chitosan nanoparticles (SPCIONPs) as gene vectors using a magnetic transfection system for the targeted treatment of lung metastasis of osteosarcoma.

Methods: The superparamagnetic chitosan nanoparticles were characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometry, a Superconducting Quantum Interference Device and Atomic Force Microscopy. Their biosafety was determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) and live-dead staining assays. In vitro transfection was detected by laser confocal microscopy.

Results: SPCIONPs, which can bind closely to plasmids and protect them from DNA enzyme degradation, were prepared with an average particle size of 95.60 nm and zeta potential of 11 mV. The results of the CCK8 and live-dead staining assays showed that superparamagnetic chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 (SPCIONPs/pIGFBP5) induced no significant cytotoxicity com...