Preparation and Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol Conjugated Polyethylene Imine‐Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles for Paclitaxel Delivery to Cervical Cancer Cells

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to synthesize and characterize the therapeutic effect of paclitaxel‐loaded polyethylene glycol modified polyethylene imine‐coated iron oxide nanoparticles on cervical cancer cell line (HeLa cell). The physiochemical characteristics of nanocarriers were confirmed by using several methods including X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed the magnetic nanoparticles with size of 35 nm and excellent magnetic properties could load paclitaxel with capacity (16%) and encapsulation efficiency (80%) that has revealed pH‐dependent release behavior. The anticancer effects of nanoparticles were investigated using MTT assay. In comparison to free drug, paclitaxel‐loaded magnetic nanocarrier revealed more cytotoxicity against HeLa cell line and also resulted in an increased rate of apoptotic cancer cells, assessed by flow cytometry analysis. Furthermore, the developed magnetic nanocarrier showed suitable hemocompatibility which can be used in clinical applications.