Multi-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles can be used for targeted therapy and diagnosis of lung cancer

Lung cancer is a highly malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. Exploring effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches is of paramount importance. This study aims to develop a nanomedicine delivery system with dual capabilities for drug loading and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), investigating its targeted drug delivery function and MRI tracking capability for lung cancer. This study prepared folate-targeted albumin magnetic nanoparticles for carboplatin encapsulation (FA-CBP-BMNs), characterized them, and determined the encapsulation efficiency, drug loading capacity, and release rate. Cellular function and MRI imaging capabilities were investigated via MTT assays, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer quantification, and cell capture experiments.<i>In vivo</i>tracking capability, antitumor effects, and biosafety were evaluated using a mouse model. The particle size of FA-CBP-BMNs was 186.37 ± 5.49 nm, with morphological analysis revealing spherical dispersion. The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading capacity were 12.25 ± 3.72% and 95.38 ± 4.19%, respectively. FA-CBP-BMNs exhibit sensitivity to the pH of the release medium, demonstrating enhanced sustained-release targeting properties in acidic environments. MRI imaging indicates that FA-CBP-BMNs improve relaxation efficiency.<i>In vitro</i>, they inhibit the proliferation of lung cancer cells.<i>In vivo</i>, they efficiently recognize and track tumor cells while exhibiting favorable antitumor effects, along with good biocompatibility and safety. This study successfully developed a multifunctional targeted sustained-release drug delivery system, FA-CBP-BMNs, integrating drug loading and MRI imaging capabilities. FA-CBP-BMNs demonstrated significant advantages in targeted therapy and diagnosis of lung cancer, opening new avenues for its treatment and diagnosis with promising clinical application value.