Long-term biodistribution and toxicity of curcumin capped iron oxide nanoparticles after single-dose administration in mice.

AIM

In this study, in vivo biodistribution, clearness and toxicity of curcumin capped iron oxide nanoparticles (Cur-IONPs) were addressed in different body organs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The physicochemical properties of the prepared Cur-IONPs were investigated. Long term (3 weeks) biodistribution, clearness and toxicity were assessed for a single-dose administration of Cur-IONPs (5 mg/kg). The iron content in liver, kidney, spleen and brain was quantified using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Serum biochemical parameters were also measured.

KEY FINDINGS

The integrated in vivo results demonstrated that Cur-IONPs was mostly taken up in the liver and spleen reaching its highest levels on days 1 and 2, respectively. In the brain, the results showed significant accumulation of Cur-IONPs between 1 h to 1-day post injection. This represented the successful penetration Cur-IONPs across the blood-brain barrier. Serum biochemical analysis demonstrated a temporal disturbance in the performance of body organs. Also, the body weights showed no alteration throughout the experiment.

SIGNIFICANCE

It has been deduced that the promising green synthesized Cur-IONPs as an "All in One" nanoplatform is safe enough to be used in diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.