Sonochemical fabrication of reduction-responsive alginate-based nanocapsules with folate targeting for drug delivery

Smart drug delivery systems for anti-cancer treatment applications have been attractive gradually. Development of suitable smart drug carriers with targeted drug delivery capability and stimuli-responsive drug release ability is of crucial importance for accurate transport anti-cancer drugs to tumor cells and their efficient release. In the study, the biocompatible folate-modified reductive-responsive alginate-based nanocapsules (FA-RANCs) was developed using FA decorated thiolated alginate via sonochemical method for targeted delivery and controlled release of hydrophobic drugs. The wall of FA-RANCs was constructed by disulfide bonds formed from hydrosulfuryl groups and the hydrophobic drug dispersed in the oil phase to be encapsulated into nanocapsules. The FA-RANCs were endowed with folate targeting function owing to the grafting of folic acid on the surface of the capsules and FA-RANCs could be taken into Hela cells via folate-receptor (FR)-mediated endocytosis effect. Moreover, the FA-RANCs showed excellent reduction-responsive release property for hydrophobic anti-cancer drugs on account of the disulfide bonds in the shell of nanocapsules. According to the above results, FA-RANCs would be a promising controllable drug delivery system for targeted delivery and triggered release of hydrophobic drugs in biomedical area.