Characterization and synthesis of mesoporous silica nanoparticles modified using Zn, NH2, and graphene oxide containing Doxorubicin and assessment of its apoptosis induction, cytotoxicity, and anti-metastatic effects on MDA-MB-231 cell line

In the current study, Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were provided and functionalized using zinc, amine, and graphene oxide (GO) (MZNG). Then, they were applied to deliver Doxorubicin, an anticancer drug, to breast cancer cells. The characterization findings indicated that MZNG loaded with DOX had a smooth surface and a spherical shape without homogeneous distribution with a particle size of around 215 nm. The high entrapment efficiency of DOX was observed for MZNGs at pH 7.4. Cytotoxicity results indicated that free DOX had high compatibility with HFF cells compared to DOX loaded into MZNG formulations, while DOX-loaded nanoparticles significantly increased the cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231compared to free drugs and non-loaded nanoparticles. Moreover, DOX-loaded nanoparticles displayed increased apoptotic potential in MDA-MB-231 compared to free DOX and non-loaded nanoparticles (MZNGs). Upon treatment with samples, a downregulation of MMP-9 and Bcl-2 genes and an upregulation of Bax , Caspase 3, and Mir- 193 genes were found. The prepared Nano-formulation holds great promise for treating breast cancer.