Carborane-Containing Iron Oxide@Gold Nanoparticles for Potential Application in Neutron Capture Therapy
Bekbol Z.A. Izbasar K.A. Zaboronok A. Lissovskaya L.I. Yang H. Pihosh Y. Ishikawa E. Shakirzyanov R.I. Korolkov I.V.
August 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Nanomaterials
2025#15Issue 16
Cancer remains one of the most pressing global health challenges, driving the need for innovative treatment strategies. Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) offers a highly selective approach to destroying cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. To improve boron delivery, Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles were developed and functionalized with a boron-containing carborane compound. Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized and covered by gold, followed by (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) modification to introduce amino groups for carborane immobilization. Comprehensive characterization using SEM, DLS, FTIR, EDX, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and XRD confirmed successful functionalization at each stage. TEM confirmed the final structure and elemental composition of the nanoparticles. BET analysis revealed a surface area of 94.69 m2/g and a pore volume of 0.51 cm3/g after carborane loading. Initial release studies in PBS demonstrated the removal of only loosely bound carborane within 48 h, with FTIR confirming stable retention of the compound on the nanoparticle surface. The modified nanoparticles achieved a stable zeta potential of −20 mV. The particles showed low toxicity within a range of concentrations (0–300 μg Fe/mL) and were efficiently accumulated by U251MG cells. These results demonstrate the potential of the obtained nanoparticles to carry boron and gold for their possible application as a theranostic agent.
carborane , drug delivery , iron oxide , nanoparticles , neutron capture therapy
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The Institute of Nuclear Physics, Ibragimov Str. 1, Almaty, 050032, Kazakhstan
Engineering Profile Laboratory, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Satpaev Str. 5, Astana, 010008, Kazakhstan
Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Ibaraki, Tsukuba, 305-8575, Japan
Office of University Professors, The University of Tokyo, 2-11-16 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
The Institute of Nuclear Physics
Engineering Profile Laboratory
Department of Neurosurgery
Office of University Professors
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