Document Type : Original Research
Authors
1
Department of Chemistry, Sha.C., Islamic Azad University, Shahrood, Iran
2
Department of Biochemistry, Sha.C., Islamic Azad University, Shahrood, Iran
3
Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
4
Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
Abstract
Background and Aim: The unique characteristics of dendrimers, including their branched structure and ability to encapsulate a variety of drugs, have garnered significant attention in targeted drug delivery applications. In this study, we evaluated the cytotoxicity of second-generation (G2) and third-generation (G3) dendrimers on two cell lines, PC12 and Vero, to assess their potential for use in drug delivery systems.
Methods: G2 and G3 dendrimers were synthesized through a chemical method using polyethylene glycol and citric acid. The particle size of the dendrimers was determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS), and their structure was evaluated by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity of the dendrimers on Vero and PC12 cells was assessed using the MTT assay.
Results: DLS analysis showed that the particle sizes of the synthesized dendrimers, G2 and G3, were 43 nm and 61 nm, respectively, with their polydispersity index (PDI) values of 0.288 and 0.351, indicating a more uniform distribution of G2 nanoparticles than G3. The cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that G2 dendrimers exhibited lower toxicity towards the PC12 cell line compared to G3, with CC50 values for G2 and G3 being 1243 and 784 µg/ml, respectively. However, no significant difference in toxicity between G2 and G3 was observed in the Vero cell line (P=0.636).
Conclusion: Since the concentration of dendrimers used as drug carriers is below their toxic concentration, they can be applied as novel drug delivery systems in medical treatments.
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