Poly(ethylene-imine)-Functionalized Magnetite Nanoparticles Derivatized with Folic Acid: Heating and Targeting
Mariano Ortega-Muñoz1, Simona Plesselova2, Angel V Delgado3
1Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
Polymers
|June 2, 2021
Summary
Branched poly(ethylene-imine) coated magnetite nanoparticles show promise for hyperthermia. Folic acid functionalization enhances targeting of cancer cells, reducing viability in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Therapy
Background:
- Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) are explored for biomedical applications.
- Poly(ethylene-imine) (PEI) coatings can modify MNP properties.
- Folic acid (FA) functionalization can enable targeted delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- Synthesize and characterize PEI-coated MNPs.
- Evaluate their potential as magnetic hyperthermia agents.
- Assess the targeted efficacy of FA-functionalized MNPs in vitro.
Main Methods:
- One-pot synthesis of PEI-coated MNPs with varying molecular weights (1.8, 10, 25 kDa).
- Folic acid (FA) functionalization of MNP-1 (1.8 kDa PEI) to create MNP-4.
- Magnetic characterization (superparamagnetism, magnetization saturation).
- Hyperthermia evaluation under an alternating magnetic field (12 kA/m, 115-175 kHz).
- In vitro cytotoxicity and efficacy assays on HEK, HeLa, and HepG2 cell lines.
Main Results:
- Synthesized superparamagnetic MNPs with MNP-1 showing highest magnetization.
- MNP-1 demonstrated significant heating power (330 W/g at 175 kHz).
- MNPs were non-cytotoxic across tested cell lines.
- MNP-4 significantly reduced viability and clone formation in FA receptor-high expressing cells under magnetic field.
Conclusions:
- PEI-coated MNPs are effective superparamagnetic agents.
- MNP-1 exhibits potent hyperthermia capabilities.
- FA-functionalized MNP-4 shows potential for targeted magnetic hyperthermia therapy in FR-positive cancers.
