FeCo-Chitosan / DNA nanoparticles for gene transfer to MCF-7 breast cancer cells: preparation and characterization

Background: Researchers have seen gene therapy as one of the most important techniques for treating illnesses including cancer and a range of genetic problems in recent years. The capacity of FeCo-Chitosan nanoparticles for gene transport into MCF-7 cells was explored in this study Methods: FeCo-Chitosan/DNA nanoparticles were prepared. Then, physicochemical features of nanoparticles, were assessed using SEM. Also, biological features of the nanoparticles including biocompatibility, DNA protection, DNA release, and gene transfer capacity to MCF-7 cells were studied,. Results: Results showed that FeCo-Chitosan / DNA nanoparticles exhibited a spherical shape with an average size of around 200 nm. The zeta potential of the FeCo-Chitosan/ DNA complex increased with increasing the concentration of FeCo-Chitosan nanoparticles in the FeCo-Chitosan/DNA complex. Electrophoretic analyses showed that FeCo-Chitosan/DNA nanoparticles protects DNA against nuclease degradation and ultrasonic damage. Also, MTT test revealed that FeCo-Chitosan nanoparticles had a good biocompatibility. Conclusions: FeCo-Chitosan nanoparticles may safely transfer and release DNA to MCF-7 cells, according to fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry studies. These findings also revealed that increasing the concentration of FeCo-Chitosan in the Fe- Co-Chitosan/DNA complex improved gene transfer efficiency.