The interaction of GSSG modified magnetic nanoparticles with SPC-A1 cells in vitro

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are promising materials for various biomedical applications, including magnetic resonance imaging, stem cell tracking, gene/drug delivery, and cancer treatment. To increase the effectiveness of MNPs, high capture efficiency and controlled uptake of the particles by cells is required. In this paper we report the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake into SPC-A1 cells of oxidized glutathione (GSSG)-modified MNPs (GSSG@Fe₃O₄). Experimental findings indicated that GSSG@Fe₃O₄ were biocompatible, and could be efficiently taken up by SPC-A1 cells (up to 160 pg iron per cell). The internalized GSSG@Fe₃O₄ was retained in the cell cytoplasm for 6 generations. The uptake of GSSG@Fe₃O₄ into SPC-A1 cells was energy-, concentration- and time-dependent. Pinocytosis may be involved in the internalization process of GSSG@Fe₃O₄ into SPC-A1 cells, but this mechanism remains to be elucidated. The controlled and efficient localization of GSSG@Fe₃O₄ into the cytosol and long intracellular retention provides theoretical and experimental insight into the biomedical applications for these molecules.