Abstract
Multifunctional nanocarriers with multilayer core-shell architecture were prepared by coating superparamagnetic Fe 3O 4 nanoparticle cores with a mixture of the triblock copolymer methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)- b-poly(methacrylic acid- co- n-butyl methacrylate)- b-poly(glycerol monomethacrylate) and the folate-conjugated block copolymer folate-poly(ethylene glycol)- b-poly(glycerol monomethacrylate). The model anticancer agent adriamycin (ADR), containing an amine group and a hydrophobic moiety, was loaded into the nanocarrier at pH 7.4 by ionic bonding and hydrophobic interactions. The release rate of the loaded drug molecules was slow at pH 7.4 (i.e. mimicking the blood environment) but increased significantly at acidic pH (i.e. mimicking endosome/lysosome conditions). Acid-triggered drug release resulted from the polycarboxylate protonation of poly(methacrylic acid), which broke the ionic bond between the carrier and ADR. Cellular uptake by folate receptor-overexpressing HeLa cells of the folate-conjugated ADR-loaded nanoparticles was higher than that of non-folated-conjugated nanoparticles. Thus, folate conjugation significantly increased nanoparticle cytotoxicity. These findings show the potential viability of a folate-targeting, pH-responsive nanocarrier for amine-containing anticancer drugs.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
