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Investigation of Folate-Functionalized Magnetic-Gold Nanoparticles Based Targeted Drug Delivery for Liver: In Vitro,
Ali Hussein F Alnasraui1,2, I Hubert Joe3, Sharafaldin Al-Musawi4
1Department of Physics, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695015, India.
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
|September 2, 2024
Summary
This study developed novel magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@Au-DEX-CU-FA) for targeted liver cancer treatment. The nanoparticles effectively delivered curcumin, induced cancer cell death, and showed significant anti-tumor effects in vivo with minimal toxicity to healthy cells.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
Background:
- Targeted drug delivery using magnetic nanoparticles offers advantages over conventional methods for cancer treatment.
- Au shell-iron core nanoparticles (Fe3O4@Au) provide a versatile platform for drug encapsulation and targeted delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize Fe3O4@Au-DEX-CU-FA nanoparticles for targeted delivery of curcumin to combat liver cancer.
- To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy and safety of this novel drug delivery system.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of Fe3O4@Au-DEX-CU-FA nanoparticles using DLS, SEM, TEM, spectroscopy, and magnetometry.
- In vitro studies included molecular docking, drug loading/release, MTT assays, flow cytometry, and real-time PCR.
- In vivo studies involved nude tumor-bearing mice to assess therapeutic efficacy and safety.
Main Results:
- Fe3O4@Au-DEX-CU-FA nanoparticles were successfully synthesized with a mean size of 63.3 nm and negative zeta potential.
- The nanoparticles demonstrated effective curcumin encapsulation, targeted delivery, induction of cancer cell death, and regulation of apoptosis-related gene expression.
- In vivo studies showed significant tumor reduction, improved survival rates, enhanced immune responses, and no observed toxicity in healthy cells.
Conclusions:
- Fe3O4@Au-DEX-CU-FA nanoparticles represent a promising therapeutic agent for liver cancer treatment.
- The targeted delivery system enhances anticancer efficacy while maintaining safety for normal tissues.
- Further research is warranted to explore the full therapeutic potential of this nanomedicine approach.
