Investigation of cellular mechanisms and toxicity control of silica-hexamethyl tetraamine

Document Type : Original article

Authors

1 Master of Biochemistry, Research Center for Life & Health Sciences & Biotechnology of the Police, Directorate of Health, Rescue & Treatment, Police Headquarters, Tehran, Iran.

2 Associate Professor of Inorganic Chemistry, Police Sciences and Social Studies Institute, Tehran, Iran.

3 PhD in Medical Nanotechnology, Research Center for Life & Health Sciences & Biotechnology of the Police, Directorate of Health, Rescue & Treatment, Police Headquarter, Tehran, Iran.

4 PhD in Toxicology, Research Center for Life & Health Sciences & Biotechnology of the Police, Directorate of Health, Rescue & Treatment, Police Headquarters, Tehran, Iran.

5 Assistant Professor of Laboratory Science, Police Sciences and Social Studies Institute, Tehran, Iran.

10.22038/nnj.2026.95350.1549

Abstract

Background and Aims: Amphetamine abuse, as a highly addictive substance, is a global public health problem that leads to severe neurotoxicity, degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondria, as the energy-producing center of the cell, play a key role in the survival of neuronal cells. The present study aimed to design and synthesize silica nanoparticles containing hexamethylenetetramine for potential application in preventing amphetamine‑induced toxicity in neuronal cells.
Materials and Methods: The present study was a laboratory study conducted in the research laboratory of Behdad Farajah from December 2025  to April 2026 and was conducted in accordance with ethical principles. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism software version 9, and SPSS version 26, and all experiments were performed in at least three independent replications and in three separate wells. Nanopharmaceuticals were made by the sol-gel method. The average loaded drug was calculated with silica nanoparticles. The cytotoxicity was evaluated by the MTT method and oxidative stress assessment in cells from ROS.
Results: The hexamethyl tetraamine Nano medicine loaded in silica nanoparticles was suitable for cytotoxicity. Evaluation of oxidative stress was greatly reduced (P-value <0.0001), and the loading of hexamethylene tetraamine was 37.18%. SEM analysis and loading with FTIR showed the appropriate size and structure of the nanopharmaceutical.
Conclusion: The silica Nano medicine (20-40 nm) was associated with 37% loading, high release, reduced ROS, and a significant increase in cell viability.

Keywords

References

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Navid No
Volume 29, Issue 97
June 2026
Pages 45-55

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