Folate-Modified Albumin-Functionalized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Theranostics: Engineering and In Vitro PDT...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), human serum albumin (HSA), and folic acid (FA) are key components for advanced hybrid nanosystems.
• The study engineered FA-HSA@IONPs (FAMs) as a novel magnetic nanosystem.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the composition, stability, and activity of FAMs.
• To evaluate the selective accumulation and therapeutic potential of FAMs in cancer cells.
• To assess FAMs as a drug delivery platform for photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Main Methods:

• Characterization of FAMs using UV/Vis spectrophotometry, spectrofluorimetry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and electron magnetic resonance (EMR).
• Analysis of FAMs' cellular uptake in cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231) via flow cytometry and confocal microscopy.
• Evaluation of photoinduced cytotoxicity using methylene blue as a model photosensitizer bound to FAMs.

Main Results:

• FAMs, with a hydrodynamic diameter of approximately 55 nm, were successfully synthesized and characterized.
• FAMs demonstrated selective accumulation in cancer cells overexpressing folate receptors.
• Methylene blue bound to FAMs exhibited enhanced photoinduced cytotoxicity compared to the free photosensitizer.

Conclusions:

• FAMs are effective in targeting and entering cancer cells with high folate receptor expression.
• FAMs serve as a viable platform for delivering antitumor photosensitizers with preserved in vitro photodynamic efficiency.
• The study highlights the potential of FAMs for therapeutic and diagnostic applications in oncology.