Enhanced targeted delivery of cisplatin via folate and boron-modified magnetic nanoparticles: A promising approach for cervical cancer treatment

This study aims on the development and evaluation of cisplatin-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) modified with folate (FA) and boron to enhance targeted drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy. FA and boron were employed as targeting ligands, while aldehyde sodium alginate (ASA) was used as a stabilizing modifier to improve the surface activity and stability of magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles synthesized via chemical co-precipitation. FA and boron were activated through interaction with NH₂-PEG-NH₂, through non-covalent chemical bonding, forming stable and water-soluble complexes. ASA was combined to Fe₃O₄ NPs after FA-PEG linkage via Schiff base formation. Subsequent substitution of chloride in cisplatin with the hydroxyl group of ASA yielded FA- and ASA-modified CIS-FA-ASA-MNPs, along with boron-coated counterparts. MTT assays demonstrated that cisplatin-loaded NPs significantly reduced cancer cell viability compared to other formulations, with CIS-loaded boron-coated NPs exhibiting pronounced cytotoxicity even at lower doses. The IC₅₀ value of CIS-loaded boron-coated NPs (0.61 µg/mL) was markedly lower than that of CIS-loaded FA-coated NPs (0.65 µg/mL) and free cisplatin (1.25 µg/mL), confirming superior anticancer potential. Enhanced apoptosis was observed due to improved nanocarrier internalization by CIS-loaded boron-coated NPs. These results highlight the promise of boron-coated, cisplatin-loaded NPs as a targeted therapeutic strategy for cervical cancer. The enhanced cytotoxicity compared with conventional formulations is attributed to improved cellular uptake and controlled drug release. Further in vivo and biological studies are warranted to validate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of this novel delivery system. • Folate- and boron-modified Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were developed for targeted cisplatin delivery. • Boron-coated NPs showed higher cytotoxicity than free cisplatin and folate-coated NPs in HeLa cells. • Functionalized NPs enhanced cellular uptake and induced strong apoptotic response in cancer cells. • Nanocarriers enabled sustained and controlled release of cisplatin over 72 h. • Targeted delivery system may reduce cisplatin side effects and improve therapeutic efficiency.