Superparamagnetic iron oxide-loaded PLGA nanoparticles: Tailoring properties for theranostic applications

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) encapsulated in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles offer promising theranostics potential, enabling both imaging and therapeutic capabilities. This study optimized SPION-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) by evaluating surfactants for stability, magnetic properties, and functionality. Sodium cholate (SC)-stabilized NPs (141 ± 2 nm) demonstrated superior hyperthermia efficiency, achieving a two-fold temperature increase in magnetic hyperthermia assays and enhanced transverse relaxivity for MRI applications. In contrast, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-stabilized NPs (248 ± 8 nm) exhibited greater post-lyophilization stability and higher magnetization, making them suitable for long-term use. Both P-NPs (SC) and S1-P NPs (SC) exhibited negligible cytotoxicity and no hemolytic activity at the highest NP concentration, with 100 % viable viability up to 50 µg/mL and hemolysis rates below 5 %, supporting their biocompatibility for potential biomedical applications. These findings underscore the importance of surfactant selection in enhancing theranostics nanoparticle performance, offering insights into material design for future drug delivery and MRI-guided treatments. • Core-shell magnetic nanoparticles were produced with different surfactants. • Stabilization with sodium cholate revealed a smaller hydrodynamic diameter • Poly(vinyl alcohol) increases nanoparticle size but improves long-term stability • Sodium cholate-stabilized nanoparticles are promising for theranostic application