Covalent modification of iron oxide-poly(lithocholic acid) nanoparticles with folic acid or doxorubicin – an approach for enhanced cancer therapy

This study explores the effectiveness against selected cancer cell lines of nano-engineered formulations composed of inorganic cores with steroid-based polymeric shells functionalized with either a targeting or chemotherapeutic agent. We present the synthesis and comprehensive characterization of iron oxide nanoparticles coated by polymeric layers derived from lithocholic acid with covalently affixed folic acid or doxorubicin entities. The cytotoxicity assessments against normal (RBCs, THP-1, CCD-1079sk, and H9C2(2-1) and cancerous (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and HeLa) cell lines were performed using two independent endpoint (MTT and neural red) assays. In the case of cancer cells, transepithelial electrical resistance (TERR) and caspase 8 and 9 expression were examined. Additionally, the impact on the activity of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes from the cytochrome family has been assessed. The results of the study confirmed the selectivity of the synthesized hybrids against tested cancer cells and their ability to induce apoptosis <i>via</i> caspase activation.