A zinc ferrite nanodrug carrier for delivery of docetaxel: synthesis, characterization, and in vitro tests on C6 glioma cells

Aim Docetaxel (DTX) loaded bio-compatible PLGA-PEG encapsulated zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZFNP) formulation was developed and evaluated against C6 glioma cells. Methods The ZFNP were characterised using XRD, FE-SEM, TEM, etc. A series of drug formulations were fabricated by conjugating hydrothermally synthesised ZFNP with DTX in a PLGA-PEG matrix and optimised for drug loading. FTIR and DLS analysis of the formulation along with in vitro drug release, cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and haemolytic effect were evaluated. Results Spherical, monodisperse, crystalline ZFNP with an average size of similar to 28 nm were formed. The optimised formulation showed a hydrodynamic diameter of similar to 147 nm, a surface charge of -34.8 mV, a drug loading of 6.9% (w/w) with prolonged drug release properties, and higher toxicity in C6 glioma cells compared to free DTX along with good internalisation and negligible haemolysis. Conclusion The results indicate ZFNP could be effectively used as nanodrug carrier for delivery of docetaxel to glioma cells.