Magnesium whitlockite nanoparticles: Hydrothermal synthesis, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer potential

Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. 2024 Jul:239:113931. doi: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2024.113931. Epub 2024 Apr 25.

Abstract

This study revealed the potential of magnesium whitlockite [WH: Ca18Mg2(HPO4)2(PO4)12] nanoparticles (WH NPs) for anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer therapies. Although magnesium whitlockite possesses promising biological properties, its effects on inflammation and cancer remain unexplored. In this study, we address this gap by synthesizing WH NPs and demonstrating their multifaceted functionalities. Through detailed characterization, we revealed the synthesis pathway involving brushite as a precursor, with magnesium ions incorporated during hydrothermal treatment. WH NPs exhibited anti-inflammatory properties by significantly reducing the production of key inflammatory markers (NO, TNF-α, and IL-6). Furthermore, they display promising anti-cancer activity by inhibiting the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Our findings not only establish a deeper understanding of WH NP synthesis but also highlight their potential for the development of innovative cancer and inflammatory treatments.

Keywords: Anti-cancer properties; Anti-inflammatory properties; Hydrothermal approach; MDA-MB-231 breast cancer; Magnesium Whitlockite.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents* / chemical synthesis
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents* / chemistry
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents* / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / chemical synthesis
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Calcium Phosphates
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation* / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-6 / metabolism
  • Magnesium* / chemistry
  • Mice
  • Nanoparticles* / chemistry
  • Nitric Oxide / biosynthesis
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism
  • Particle Size
  • Surface Properties
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism

Substances

  • Magnesium
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Interleukin-6
  • calcium phosphate, dibasic, dihydrate
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Calcium Phosphates