Targeted uptake of folic acid-functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles by ovarian cancer cells in the presence but not in the absence of serum

In this study the receptor specific uptake of folic acid-functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles was determined in ovarian cancer cells. It was found that the presence of serum proteins is an absolute requirement for the uptake of these nanoparticles. The described strategy for receptor-mediated uptake of nanoparticles with pre-defined surface chemistry may enable a better targeting of nanoparticles for additional therapeutic and imaging applications.Graphical Abstract: Targeted, i.e. receptor-mediated cellular uptake of folic acid (FA)-conjugated iron oxide nanoparticles is shown for particles with SiO2 coating, but not for particles with poly(ethylene glycol), PEG coating. Both particles displayed excellent biocompatibility.
Source: Nanomedicine : Nanotechnology, Biology, and Medicine - Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Tags: Cell Biology, Cell Physiology, Receptor-Specific Uptake, Effect of Pegylation, Serum Proteins, FA-Iron Oxide NPs Source Type: research