Maximizing the potency of oxaliplatin coated nanoparticles with folic acid for modulating tumor progression in colorectal cancer

One of the challenges of nanotechnology is to improve the efficacy of treatments for diseases, in order to reduce morbidity and mortality rates. Following this line of study, we made a nanoparticle formulation with a small size, uniform surfaces, and a satisfactory encapsulation coefficient as a target for colorectal cancer cells. The results of binding and uptake prove that using the target system with folic acid works: Using this system, cytotoxicity and cell death are increased when compared to using free oxaliplatin. The data show that the system maximized the efficiency of oxaliplatin in modulating tumor progression, increasing apoptosis and decreasing resistance to the drug. Thus, for the first time, our findings suggest that PLGA-PEG-FA increases the antitumor effectiveness of oxaliplatin by functioning as a facilitator of drug delivery in colorectal cancer. [Display omitted] •Modified nanoparticles with targeting properties were formulated with satisfactory properties.•The folic acid target resulted in enhanced cell binding and uptake.•PLGA-PEG-FA (OXA) increased induction of cell death more than free OXA.•In vivo, PLGA-PEG-FA (OXA) nanoparticle reduced the tumor weight and improved antitumor activity when compared to free OXA.•In vivo, the PLGA-PEG-FA (OXA) nanoparticle reduced drug resistance when compared to free OXA.