Iron oxide and gold nanoparticles applied as drug carriers in biomedicine

Abstract

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disease, of genetic origin linked to the X chromosome, caused by the mutation of the gene that encodes the dystrophin protein, responsible for the stability of the sarcolemma. In the absence/deficiency of dystrophin, muscle cells are susceptible to damage induced by continuous cycles of degeneration and limited regeneration. In this context, we intend to investigate the structural, magnetic, and morphological, characteristics and in vitro and in vivo assays of magnetic iron oxide and gold nanoparticles - obtained by co-precipitation of iron salts and reverse micelle methods - for potential application in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The systematic investigation of synthesis parameters, such as mass ratio, the concentration of reagents, time, rate of addition of reagents, temperature, among other factors are important in the characteristics of the NPs produced to improve biocompatibility, absorption, and dispersion in relation to samples known in the literature. It is intended to evaluate the applicability of these particles in the treatment of Duchenne dystrophy as carriers of the drug. Therefore, it is intended to continue the development of the multidisciplinary research line that involves, in addition, the obtaining of nanoparticles and decorating their surfaces with biocompatible molecules, such as aminoacids, polymers, functionalized silica, and drugs such as ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory) and deflazacort (corticosteroid). The innovation of this new project is based mainly in the anchoring of specific drugs for a potential treatment of muscular dystrophy on nanoparticle surfaces, focusing on both in vitro and in vivo assay. For the in vitro study, cultures of dystrophic and non-dystrophic muscle cells will be used. It will be performed to analyze cell viability and gene expression. For the in vivo investigation, is intended to use the mdx mice. (AU)