Introduction: There is a lot of interest and hope in incorporating the rapid advances in the field of nanotechnology into therapeutic strategies for neurological diseases including neoplasms. However, the initial phase of enthusiasm is tempered with the practical difficulties in extrapolating the results in-vivo.
We present our initial results of strategies at developing novel iron oxide nanoparticles and their functionalization with various biocompatible surfactants for magnetic hyperthermia treatment in glioma.
Methods: Iron oxide nanoparticles (IO NPs) were synthesized by co-precipitation method and functionalized with oleic acid (OA). The formulated OA-IO NPs were characterized for the size (hydrodynamic diameter), zeta potential (surface charge) by dynamic light scattering (DLS) method. The morphology of the OA-IO NPs was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cellular uptake and effect of hyperthermia induced by magnetic field on cell cultures were studied.
Results: Successful synthesis of oleic acid capped magnetic nanoparticles (OA-IO NPs) was achieved through co-precipitation of Fe2+ and Fe3+ salts under alkaline conditions followed by capping.
Conclusions: The synthesized OA-IO NPs revealed many favorable properties e.g. size, charge, structure, functionalization etc. for use in magnetic hyperthermia treatment for glioblastoma. However, more physical-chemical characterization, in-vitro studies like cellular uptake study, magnetic hyperthermia studies etc. are being focused to evaluate the functionality of the system in vitro and in vivo applications in glioma therapy.
Patient Care: Hyperthermia induced by iron oxide nanoparticles in a magnetic field is a potential therapeutic tool for high grade glioma.
Novel therapeutic strategies can be devised by neurosurgeons by harnessing rapid advances in the field of nanotechnology.
Learning Objectives: By the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to:
1. Describe the importance of advances in nanotechnology in devising newer neurosurgical strategies in management of high grade gliomas.
2. Discuss, in small groups about the challenges in translating in-vitro data in nano-technology into clinical practice of 'nano-neurosurgery'.
3. Identify magnetic hyperthermia using iron oxide nanoparticles as a potential therapeutic tool for high grade gliomas.
4. Identify the evolution of microneurosurgery towards nano-neurosurgery, and its implications on neurological surgeons.