Evaluation of the theranostic nanoparticle Bi2O3 @ALA conjugated with curcumin in computed tomography (CT) and radiationtherapy of breast tumor (SKBr-3) cells

Abstract

Breast cancer is a global public health problem and one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the main methods of breast cancer treatment. The use of surgery and radiation therapy has various side effects. The use of new and targeted methods, such as chemo-radiotherapy through the design of a nanostructure that can both increase the effects of the drug and improve the effect of radiotherapy, can play a useful role in increasing the efficiency of the treatment and reducing the side effects of each of the methods. The aim of this study is to synthesize and investigate the effect of bismuth nanoparticles coated with chitosan and Ala conjugated with curcumin drug on SKBr-3 breast cancer cell line. Methods and Materials: Bismuth nanoparticles coated with ALA. Chitosan was synthesized and covalently conjugated to curcumin. DLS, TEM, FESEM techniques are used to investigate the average hydrodynamic size and surface charge of nanoparticles, particle size and morphology, designed nanostructure, respectively. On the other hand, hemolysis test was used to check blood biocompatibility. The anti-cancer effects and increased radiosensitivity of the synthesized nanostructures were performed by cell uptake, cell viability, and scratch repair tests in both conditions with and without radiation. Also, CT scan imaging tests were performed on the phantom and the cell. Results: Experiments to determine the physicochemical properties of the synthesized nanosystems showed that the synthesis of nanostructures was successfully carried out. The results obtained from the cell absorption assay show the effective absorption of nanostructures by SKBr-3 cells. Bi2O3/CS@5-ALA-CUR nanosystem significantly reduced cell growth, reduced cell migration, in both conditions with and without X-ray exposure.