ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The acute toxicity of magnetic nanoparticles was effectively lowered by their encapsulation with poly(D,L lactide). In relation to the idea to use magnetic nanoparticles in development of new delivery systems suitable for targeted drug administration, the toxicological profile of five types of magnetic fluids was assessed in mice. METHODS: The nanoprecipitation method was used to prepare magnetic fluids containing nanoparticles of Fe(3)O(4) encapsulated with biodegradable substances. The acute toxicity testing was performed according to OECD Test Guideline 425. In the pilot distribution study a special staining method was examined for the detection of Fe ions in body tissues of mice after intravenous administration of magnetic fluids. RESULTS: The p.o. LD(50) values were greater than 2,000.0 mg/kg of body weight and i.v. LD(50) values were in the range of 231.7-558.9 mg/kg of body weight. CONCLUSIONS: Of the magnetic nanoparticles tested, those encapsulated with poly(D,L lactide) were the most prospective for further in vivo testing.
