β‐Cyclodextrin‐Modified Cobalt Nanoparticles as 5‐Fluorouracil Carriers

Metal nanoparticles having magnetic properties are exciting for application in the directed transport of anticancer drugs encapsulated in them. To ensure drug‐loading capacity and controlled release, surface modification with host molecules is a fascinating choice. In this paper, we report the synthesis and surface modification of magnetic cobalt metal nanoparticles with oligosaccharide host molecules (β‐cyclodextrin) tethered on the surface. A β‐cyclodextrin‐folate derivative is synthesized and characterized using Infrared‐, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance‐, and Matrix‐Assisted Laser Deposition Ionization‐Time of Flight mass spectrometry. The size of the cobalt nanoparticles carrying the host molecule on the surface is ~10 nm. The nanoparticles are characterized using X‐Ray Diffraction, Transmission Electron Microscopy, particle size analyzer, Energy‐Dispersive X‐ray, and X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. The bare magnetic nanoparticles also show a strong saturation magnetization of 142.21 emu g−1. The chemotherapeutic drug 5‐fluorouracil is loaded on the surface‐modified cobalt nanoparticles through host: guest complexation mode and its controlled release is measured in‐vitro. The slow release is spread over more than 14 days, and a complete release of the loaded therapeutic cargo is not reached. The release is pH‐dependent and changes with acidic levels of the medium. The anticancer activity of the drug‐loaded nanocarrier on MDA‐MB‐231 (breast cancer) cells is investigated. The mechanism of cell death is studied, and the cells are found inhibited in the synthesis phase. Flow cytometric analysis shows that 79.70 % of the empty nanocarrier‐treated and 74.86 % 5‐fluorouracil‐loaded nanocarrier‐treated MDA‐MB‐231 cells were in the early apoptosis phase. This new combination nanocarrier is intriguing owing to its structural and magnetic properties, and the action on cell lines. The cobalt metal nanoparticles are functionalized with cyclodextrin‐folate. The cyclodextrin cavity accommodates the drug 5‐fluorouracil. The drug‐loaded nanoparticles are active against breast cancer cell lines.