Human Serum Albumin-Based Nanoparticles for Targeted Intracellular Drug Delivery.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

• Flavonoids like rutin possess anticancer properties but require effective delivery systems.
• Targeted drug delivery aims to increase therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects.
• Folic acid receptor overexpression is common in various cancer cells, presenting a target for selective delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize folic acid-conjugated human serum albumin nanoparticles (HSA-FA) loaded with rutin (Ru).
• To evaluate the targeted delivery and anticancer efficacy of these nanoparticles against colon cancer cells.
• To assess the biocompatibility and cellular uptake of the nanocarrier system.

Main Methods:

• Nanoparticles were prepared using a desolvation method and functionalized with folic acid.
• Characterization involved atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and fluorescence microscopy.
• Biological activity was assessed using MTS assays on HT-29 colon cancer cells and L929 fibroblasts.

Main Results:

• The synthesized (HSA-FA):Ru nanoparticles were uniformly sized (<100 nm) and stable.
• Voltammetry confirmed successful loading of rutin and folic acid.
• The nanoparticles demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against HT-29 cells with minimal impact on L929 cells.
• Preferential uptake and accumulation were observed in HT-29 cells, confirming targeted delivery.

Conclusions:

• HSA-based nanoparticles functionalized with folic acid serve as an efficient and biocompatible carrier for rutin.
• This targeted nanodelivery system shows potential for selective intracellular drug delivery in colorectal cancer treatment.
• The findings support the development of albumin-based nanocarriers for advanced cancer therapeutics.