Objective: To study folate-conjugated albumin nanoparticles targeting to tumor cells via folate receptor-mediated endocytosis.
Methods: The activated folic acid (N-hydroxysuccinimide ester of folic acid) was conjuated to the surface of bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (BSANP) via the amino groups. The extent of the influence that concentration, incubation time and free folate exerted on the uptake of Folate-BSANP by ovarian cancer cells (SKOV3) was determined using fluorescence spectrophotometer.
Results: Folate-conjugated BSANP (Folate-BSANP) was successfully achieved. Uptake of Folate-BSANP by cancer cells was gradually increased with the extension of incubation time or the increase of Folate-BSANP concentration, and the uptake could be competitively inhibited by excess free folate.
Conclusion: Folate-BSANP could be delivered into tumor cells via folate receptor-mediated endocytosis and significantly targeted to tumor cells with rich folate receptors.