Affinity-driven functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles using tryptophan-isatin for potential bio-applications


TOK K., BARLAS F. B., ZİHNİOĞLU F., Timur S.

Nanomedicine, vol.20, no.21, pp.2613-2626, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 20 Issue: 21
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/17435889.2025.2555798
  • Journal Name: Nanomedicine
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, PASCAL, BIOSIS, Biotechnology Research Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, MEDLINE
  • Page Numbers: pp.2613-2626
  • Keywords: bioconjugation, isatin, Magnetic nanoparticles, nanomedicine, targeting agent, tryptophan
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to develop biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) functionalized with tryptophan (Trp) and isatin (Isa), two biologically active molecules with known blood-brain barrier permeability and anticancer activity. The primary objective was to evaluate the potential of these functionalized MNPs for glioblastoma therapy. Methods: Trp and Isa were conjugated onto MNPs, and the resulting nanomaterials were characterized using SEM-EDS, FTIR, XPS, and DLS. The U-87 human glioblastoma cell line was used to investigate cellular uptake, cytotoxicity (MTT assay), and radiosensitizing effects. Additional molecular insights were obtained through STRING-based network analysis. Results: The synthesized MNPs exhibited spherical morphology with a uniform size of approximately 100–110 nm. No significant cytotoxicity was observed at concentrations up to 10 µg/mL under standard culture conditions. However, a 70% reduction in cell viability was achieved following radiotherapy when cells were pretreated with Trp-Isa functionalized MNPs. STRING analysis revealed that Trp and Isa are involved in molecular pathways associated with glioblastoma. Conclusion: These findings suggest that Trp and Isa functionalized MNPs hold promise as a targeted and radiosensitizing nanoplatform for glioblastoma treatment. The approach also highlights broader potential for such engineered nanoparticles in the field of nanomedicine.