Green Synthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles by Extract of Eriobotrya japonica Leaves: Comparing the Characteristics by PEGylated method and Conventional Chemical Method

Objective(s): Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are remarkably potent drug nanocarriers due to their intrinsic capacity for elevated drug loading, biocompatibility, stability. This study focused on the development of iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles by the green synthesis method and PEGylated method, utilizing Eriobotrya japonica leaf extract.  Methods: The physicochemical parameters were determined using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and cytotoxicity test methods. Eventually, polyethylene glycol (PEG) was utilized to coat the surface and ensure the stability of the final nanomedicine formulation. Results: The DLS evaluation of iron oxide nanoparticles revealed an average hydrodynamic size of 155 nm. FESEM showed that the network of spherical with small building blocks was formed by the green synthesis method and coated with polyethylene glycol. The X-ray Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy analysis reveals a significant percentage of carbon (C), oxygen (O), as well as some sulfur (S), chlorine (Cl), and iron (Fe).  The FTIR analysis verified the existence of acidic O-H and alkene, C-H, C-N, and C-O functional groups compared to the bare nanoparticle. The cytotoxicity test investigation indicated that the inhibitory concentrations (IC50) toxicity of iron oxide nanoparticles, obtained by the green synthesis method on the MCF-7 cell line, was 1763 μg/ml.  Conclusions: These nanoparticles exhibited a favorable dispersion index, efficient incorporation of plant extract fractions into the nanoparticle network, and minimal toxicity in the final product. Consequently, these nanoparticles are well-suited for biomedical research and drug delivery applications.