Solid and aqueous magnetoliposomes as nanocarriers for a new potential drug active against breast cancer

Iron oxide nanoparticles, with diameters around 12 nm, were synthesized by coprecipitation method. The magnetic properties indicate a superparamagnetic behavior with a coercive field of 9.7 Oe and a blocking temperature of 118 K. Both aqueous and solid magnetoliposomes containing magnetite nanoparticles have sizes below 150 nm, suitable for biomedical applications. Interaction between both types of magnetoliposomes and models of biological membranes was proven. A new antitumor compound, a diarylurea derivative of thienopyridine, active against breast cancer, was incorporated in both aqueous and solid magnetoliposomes, being mainly located in the lipid membrane. A promising application of these magnetoliposomes in oncology is anticipated, allowing a combined therapeutic approach, using both chemotherapy and magnetic hyperthermia.This work was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Funding of CF-UM-UP (UID/FIS/04650/2013) and of CQUM (UID/QUI/00686/2013). FCT, POPH-QREN and FSE are acknowledged for the PhD grants of A.R.O. Rodrigues (SFRH/BD/90949/2012) and V.A. Machado (SFRH/BD/77373/2011) and for financial support to MAP-Fis Joint Doctoral Programme.