Synthesis of Nano-Niosomal Deferoxamine and Evaluation of Its Functional Characteristics to Apply As an Iron-Chelating Agent Publisher



Marzban A^{1, 2} ; Akbarzadeh A¹ ; Ardestani MS³ ; Ardestani F⁴ ; Akbari M^{5, 6}
Source: Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering Published:2018

Abstract

Deferoxamine has been widely used as an iron-chelating agent in patients with primary or secondary iron overload deficiency. Deferoxamine is typically administered subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously by the constant infusion of the drug over 8–12 h. This process is lengthy and uncomfortable for the patients. A nano-niosomal form of deferoxamine was prepared using the reverse phase evaporation method and evaluated on the basis of morphology, drug release, cytotoxicity, and iron-chelating efficacy to compare with free drug formulation. The unique structure of niosome enables sustained release of the drug over extended periods. The average particle size was 136 nm and the entrapment efficiency was about 96 %. The biocompatibility of the drug-loaded nanoparticles showed that the encapsulation of the drug in nano-niosomes reduces the toxicity of the drug significantly. Our results indicate that the iron-chelating ability of the entrapped deferoxamine in hepatocytes is higher than the free drug. The nano-niosomal drug form showed more efficacies versus the free one and it could be a promising clinical intravenous system for delivery of iron-chelating drugs such as deferoxamine. © 2017 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering.