Preparation and Evaluation of Cryptotanshinone-containing Prussian Blue Nanoparticles

OBJECTIVE To prepare cryptotanshinone-containing prussian blue nanoparticles(CPT@PB NPs) and evaluate the formulation's physicochemical properties, photothermal performance, and cytotoxicity.

METHODS Hydrothermal synthesis method coupled with solvent adsorption technique was employed to obtain CPT@PB NPs. The particle size and morphology of nanoparticles were characterized by the dynamic light scattering and the transmission electron microscopy. The photothermal performance of nanoparticles was assessed using an infrared thermal imaging camera. Finally, the in vitro anti-tumor activity of CPT@PB NPs was evaluated by CCK-8 assay.

RESULTS The synthesized CPT@PB NPs presented a regular cubic morphology with distinct porous structures. The drug loading of CPT was (1.80±0.23)%. The CPT@PB NPs exhibited excellent photothermal properties, with a photothermal conversion efficiency(η) of 35.42%. The CCK-8 assay indicated that the low concentration of CPT@PB NPs under laser irradiation had a significant cytotoxic effect on 4T1 cells, among which photothermal therapy and chemotherapy played synergistic roles in the anti-tumor process.

CONCLUSION The successful preparation of CPT@PB NPs provides a new research direction for the treatment of breast cancer.