Doxorubicin-loaded zirconium phosphate nanoparticles for intracellular anticancer drug delivery to breast cancer cells

Co-internalization of DOX and ZrP nanoparticles into the cytoplasm and nucleus of MCF-7 cells was detected using CM. A high fluorescence in cell nucleus demonstrated DOX release from ZrP nanoparticles. ZrP alone is non-toxic to MCF-7 and MCF-10A cells. After a 48-hour treatment of MCF-7 cells with DOX:ZrP or DOX alone the IC50 obtained was 23µM and 24 µM, respectively. DOX cytotoxicity to MCF-7 cells after 72-hour treatment was three times higher than DOX:ZrP with IC50 of 0.74 µM and 3.15 µM, respectively. Conclusion: ZrP nanoparticles are internalized and can effectively deliver DOX to the interior of cancer cells. ZrP nanoparticles might provide a versatile platform for transportation of anticancer agents resulting in improved cancer therapy by reducing the side effects.