Studies on the Biocompatibility and Targeting Properties of Magnetic Nanomaterials

This study aims to explore the biocompatibility and targeting of folate modified magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, and provide a theoretical basis for the precise diagnosis and treatment of tumors. In this experiment, Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were prepared by chemical synthesis and folic acid molecules were modified onto their surface to form FA- Fe₃O₄ MNPs. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to verify whether folic acid was successfully coupled to the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles; and a CCK-8 assay was used to assess the effect of FA-Fe₃O₄ MNPs on the cytotoxicity of HK2 cells and HeLa cells. Meanwhile, the uptake of FITC-labelled FA-Fe₃O₄ MNPs by both cells was observed. FTIR characterisation showed that folic acid was successfully modified on the surface of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. In CCK-8 experiments, 12.5 and 25 μg/mL of FA-Fe₃O₄ MNPs were virtually non-toxic to HK2 cells and HeLa cells, and cell viability was maintained at a high level, whereas cell viability decreased at higher concentrations. Cellular uptake assays showed that HeLa cells showed significantly higher uptake of FITC-labelled FA-Fe₃O₄ MNPs than HK2 cells. FA-Fe₃O₄ MNPs have good biocompatibility and targeting properties, and can effectively target tumour cells with high folate receptor α expression.