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Zinc Ferrite-Integrated Halloysite Nanotubes as a Platform for Folate-Mediated Targeted Cisplatin Delivery
Sarah Almofty1, Vijaya Ravinayagam2, Hatim Dafalla3
1Department of Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|May 27, 2026
Summary
This study developed a zinc ferrite integrated halloysite nanocomposite for targeted cisplatin delivery in cervical cancer. Folic acid functionalization enhanced drug release and anticancer activity, showing promise for folate receptor-mediated therapy.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are sustainable, biocompatible clay minerals with a tubular structure, suitable for drug delivery.
- Developing targeted drug delivery systems is crucial for enhancing therapeutic efficacy and reducing systemic toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a zinc ferrite integrated halloysite nanocomposite (ZnFe2O4/HNT) for sustained cisplatin (Cp) release.
- To functionalize the nanocomposite with folic acid (FA) and PEG for targeted delivery and improved stability.
- To evaluate the anticancer activity and targeted delivery potential of the FA-functionalized nanocomposite.
Main Methods:
- One-pot synthesis of ZnFe2O4/HNT nanocomposites.
- Functionalization with cisplatin (Cp) and folic acid (FA), followed by PEGylation.
- Characterization using XRD, FT-IR, SEM-EDS, HRTEM, and DRS-UV-Vis spectroscopy.
- In vitro release studies under acidic conditions (pH 6.6).
- In vitro cytotoxicity assays using HeLa cervical cancer cells and normal fibroblasts.
Main Results:
- ZnFe2O4 integration preserved HNT structure and achieved molecular dispersion of Cp.
- FA functionalization significantly enhanced cumulative Cp release (34.4% vs. 10.3% at 72h) under acidic conditions.
- PEGylation improved dispersion stability while maintaining controlled release.
- FA-conjugated nanocomposites showed enhanced, time-dependent cytotoxicity against HeLa cells with reduced toxicity to fibroblasts.
- Preferential cellular uptake via folate receptor-mediated mechanism was indicated.
Conclusions:
- FA-functionalized ZnFe2O4/HNT nanocomposites offer an effective clay-based platform for controlled cisplatin delivery.
- This approach enhances targeted therapy for cervical cancer through folate receptor-mediated mechanisms.
- The developed nanocomposite holds potential for reducing systemic toxicity and improving treatment outcomes.
