Folate mediated targeted delivery of cinnamaldehyde loaded and FITC functionalized magnetic nanoparticles in breast cancer: in vitro , in vivo and pharmacokinetic studies

In the present study, cinnamaldehyde (CNAD) was loaded onto magnetic (Fe 3 O 4 ) nanoparticles (NPs) that were functionalized with FITC and folic acid (FiCF NPs) for imaging and active drug targeting in breast cancer cells. The particle size of the NPs was ∼10 nm while TGA analysis revealed 20% loading of CNAD onto the NPs. Folic acid conjugation resulted in an increased uptake of NPs in breast cancer cells with their localization in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. FiCF NPs induced apoptosis in the cells and increased the expression of generic caspases. Acute toxicity study demonstrated safety of the NPs in Swiss albino mice. Interestingly, FiCF NPs reduced the tumor burden in the mouse breast cancer model compared to those treated with free CNAD and FiC functionalized NPs. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic studies in Wistar rats revealed prolonged circulation time and slower plasma elimination of CNAD in animals treated with FiCF NPs. Thus, FiCF NPs exhibited promising potential against breast cancer and warrant further safety studies in the future before exploring their potential at the clinical level.