Abstract Background Nanoparticulate drug delivery systems have attracted significant attention in the field of cancer nanotechnology. This study determines the effect of folate-based Fe2O3 nanoparticles. This study aimed to decorate nanoparticles with folate (FA), a molecular ligand for ‘active’ targeting of cancerous cells and the application of modified-nanoparticles in cancer treatment. Materials and Methods The nanoparticles were prepared by a solvent evaporation and emulsification cross-linking method and anticancer activity of agent was evaluated on CCRF CEM cells, derived from human blood cancer samples. Results The physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles were characterized by various techniques, and uniform nanoparticles with an average particle size of 110±15 nm were obtained. Cytotoxicity tests showed that the SPIO-FA had higher cell toxicity, and confocal microscopy analysis confirmed excellent cellular uptake efficiency. Conclusion These results indicate that FA based SPIO-NPs have potential uses as anticancer drug carriers and also have an enhanced anticancer effect.

Keywords: Folate; Blood cancer; Nanoparticles

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