Folic acid-conjugated magnetic triblock copolymer nanoparticles for dual targeted delivery of 5-fluorouracil to colon cancer cells

Abstract Background In the current study, folic acid-conjugated PEG-PCL-PEG triblock copolymer were synthesized and loaded with 5-fluorouracil magnetite nanoparticles (5-FU-SPION-PEG-PCL-PEG-FA) for targeted delivery of drug to HT29 human colon cancer cells CT26 mouse model. The characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) transmission electron microscopy (TEM). cellular uptake was assessed in vitro (on HUVEC HT29) vivo tumor tissues). cytotoxic effect on cell lines (HT29, Caco-2, HTC116, SW480) normal cells. addition, antitumor effects investigated based volume, survival time protein expression Bax Bcl-2 tumor-bearing BALB/c mice. Results Characterization showed 5-FU-SPION-PEG-PCL-PEG-FA (5-FU-NPs-FA) had spherical shape hydrodynamic diameter 85 nm. drug-release profile exhibited sustained pH-responsive release cumulative reaching approximately 23% after 24 h. Cellular studies revealed that absorb higher amount 5-FU-NPs-FA as compared ( P < 0.05). found be more efficient comparison free 5-FU Bax/Bcl2 ratio, rate tumoral inhibitory volume Conclusions results suggested could considered promising platform conditions, which may provide selective treatment Graphical Abstarct