In vitro studies of titanium dioxide nanoparticles modified with glutathione as a potential drug delivery system

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Abstract
This article addresses issues related to the use of nanoparticles as drug delivery carriers, with a particular focus on titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles. The aim of this study was to obtain TiO 2 nanoparticles modified with glutathione in order to inhibit the release of titanium ions and reduce the toxic effects of TiO 2 when used as a drug carrier. XRD analysis showed that some of the prepared samples had a crystalline structure, while others were amorphous. The size of crystallites was between 4.1 and 6.2 nm. The presence of glutathione in the structure of TiO 2 particles was confirmed through attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared analysis (1,385 and 1,516 cm −1 for δ N–H and ν C═O stretching bands in NH 3 + and carboxylic groups). The size and stability of the nanoparticles assessed using the DLS technique revealed that the particles had a size range of 20–50 nm, and the electrokinetic potential of their suspensions was between −40.7 and −50.8 mV. The specific surface area, pore volume, and size were determined using nitrogen sorption. The measured specific surface area was equal to 230–390 m 2 /g. The amount of titanium ions released from the modified carriers was determined. It was lower by even over 70% compared to the not-modified sample. Also, the study involved the synthesis and characterisation of modified TiO 2 nanoparticles loaded with tadalafil. It was found that the release of an active substance from the modified material was less, even 82% compared to the not-modified nanoparticles. Cytotoxic and mutagenic properties in relation to Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were investigated. Titanium oxide nanoparticles modified with glutathione-enhanced CHO cell proliferation at over 60% compared to the reference material. Also, they had a less cytotoxic effect of over 37% compared to the reference material. The obtained materials show satisfactory purity and surface morphology, allowing the formation of carrier–drug interfaces. The results of in vitro studies let us claim that the prepared modified TiO 2 nanoparticles have a great potential for being applied as a drug carrier.

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