https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5401-1683
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Abstract
Purpose
A novel folate receptor-targeted β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) drug delivery vehicle was constructed to improve the bioavailability, biosafety, and drug loading capacity of curcumin. Controlled release and targeted delivery was achieved by modifying the nanoparticles with folic acid (FA).
Methods
Folate-conjugated β-CD-polycaprolactone block copolymers were synthesized and characterized. Curcumin-loaded nanoparticles (FA-Cur-NPs) were structured by self-assembly. The physicochemical properties, stability, release behavior and tumor-targeting ability of the fabricated nanoparticles were studied.
Results
The average particle size and drug loading of FA-Cur-NPs was 151.8 nm and 20.27%, respectively. Moreover, the FA-Cur-NPs exhibited good stability in vitro for 72 h. The drug release profiles showed that curcumin from FA-Cur-NPs was released significantly faster in a pH 6.4 phosphate buffered solution (PBS) than in pH 7.4, indicating that curcumin can be enriched around the tumor site compared with normal cells. Additionally, the internalization of FA-Cur-NPs was aided by FA receptor-mediated endocytosis, and its cytotoxicity was proportional to the cellular uptake efficiency. Furthermore, in vivo studies confirmed that FA-Cur-NPs exhibited marked accumulation in the tumor site and excellent antitumor activity.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that FA-Cur-NPs are a promising approach for improving cancer therapy through active targeting and controllable release.
Acknowledgments
This research was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 22078297), Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (LY19B060012), Science and Technology Plan Project of Taizhou (1901ky49), Special Research Fund of Hospital Pharmacy of Zhejiang Pharmaceutical Association (2019ZYY44, 2017ZYY28).
Disclosure
The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.