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Paclitaxel-Loaded Folate-Targeted Albumin-Alginate Nanoparticles Crosslinked with Ethylenediamine. Synthesis and In
Ana María Martínez-Relimpio1, Marta Benito2, Elena Pérez-Izquierdo3
1Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain.
Polymers
|July 2, 2021
Summary
Folate-targeted nanoparticles loaded with paclitaxel (PTX) show promise in cancer treatment. These nanoparticles enhance drug delivery to tumors, reducing side effects and improving efficacy against solid tumors.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Antineoplastic drugs cause secondary effects in cancer treatment.
- Nanoparticles offer drug protection and targeted delivery.
- Folate receptor (FR) is overexpressed in many human cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop folate-targeted nanoparticles loaded with paclitaxel (PTX).
- To enhance PTX's antineoplastic activity against solid tumors.
- To investigate targeted drug delivery and release.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized BSA and alginate-based nanoparticles.
- Loaded nanoparticles with paclitaxel (PTX).
- Functionalized nanoparticles with folic acid for FR targeting.
- Evaluated nanoparticle size, Z-potential, and PTX release kinetics.
- Tested nanoparticle efficacy on MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and HeLa cancer cell lines.
Main Results:
- Synthesized nanometric-sized particles (169–296 nm) with negative Z-potential.
- Achieved sustained PTX release over 23–27 hours.
- Demonstrated significantly higher uptake of folate-targeted nanoparticles in FR-expressing cells.
- Showed cytocompatibility of unloaded nanoparticles and decreased cell viability with PTX-loaded nanoparticles.
Conclusions:
- Folate-targeted BSA/alginate nanoparticles effectively deliver PTX.
- Targeted delivery enhances drug uptake in cancer cells.
- Developed nanoparticles offer a promising strategy for solid tumor treatment with reduced side effects.
