Targeted Delivery of Paclitaxel via Folate-Conjugated Chitosan Nanoparticles for Enhanced Chemotherapeutic Efficacy in Ovarian Cancer Cells
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64758/evbjrn51Keywords:
Paclitaxel, Chitosan Nanoparticles, Folate Conjugation, Targeted Delivery, Ovarian Cancer, Chemotherapy, Drug Delivery Systems, Controlled Release, Cytotoxicity, In Vitro StudiesAbstract
Ovarian cancer continues to be a challenge because of late detection and the emergence of chemoresistance. This research explores the utility of folate-targeted chitosan nanoparticles (FA-CS-NPs) for paclitaxel (PTX) delivery to ovarian cancer cells, with an aim to improve therapeutic outcomes while minimizing systemic toxicity. FA-CS-NPs were prepared and evaluated for size, shape, drug loading, and release profile. In vitro experiments assessed the cytotoxicity, cell uptake, and apoptosis-inducing capability of PTX-loaded FA-CS-NPs in folate receptor-overexpressing SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells. Results showed that FA-CS-NPs remarkably facilitated PTX delivery, resulting in higher cytotoxicity and apoptosis than free PTX and non-targeted PTX-loaded CS-NPs. These results indicate that FA-CS-NPs are a promising approach for targeted chemotherapy of ovarian cancer with better therapeutic efficacy and fewer side effects.
