Magnetic melamine cross-linked polystyrene-alt-malic anhydride copolymer: Synthesis, characterization, paclitaxel delivery, cytotoxic effects on human ovarian and breast cancer cells.

OBJECTIVES: Due to systematic side effects, there is a growing interest in nanoparticle formulation of anticancer drugs. Here, we aimed to synthesize poly (styrene-alt-maleic anhydride) cross-linked by melamine (PSMA/Me) and coated with magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) PSMA/Me/Fe(3)O(4). In addition, we aimed to load paclitaxel (PTX) into PSMA/Me/Fe(3)O(4) for drug delivery and anticancer investigations. METHODS: Novel PSMA/Me was synthesized via free radical copolymerization, coated with Fe(3)O(4), and then used as a transporter for PTX delivery. Fabricated copolymer was characterized using SEM, TGA, and XRD techniques. Drug release rate and loading efficiency were investigated. Human ovarian cancer cells (Skov-3) and breast cancer cells (MCF-7 cells) were incubated with the serial concentration of either free PTX or PSMA/Me/Fe(3)O(4)/PTX for cell viability and IC(50) analysis for 24 and 48 h. RESULTS: Characterization methods confirmed PSMA/Me copolymer formation. The results showed a significant encapsulation efficiency of 83%. The drug release analysis exhibited that PSMA/Me/Fe(3)O(4)/PTX may be considered pH-sensitive nanocarriers. PSMA/Me/Fe(3)O(4)/PTX reduced cell viability both dose and time-dependently (p < 0.05). IC(50) values of PSMA/Me/Fe(3)O(4)/PTX were low when compared to free PTX either 24 or 48 h post-treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that PSMA/Me/Fe(3)O(4)/PTX was more cytotoxic than PTX in both cancer cells. Findings indicated the potential of PSMA/Me/Fe(3)O(4)/PTX as an anticancer nanocarrier system.