Multi-functional nanocarriers based on iron oxide nanoparticles conjugated with doxorubicin, poly(ethylene glycol) and folic acid as theranostics for cancer therapy

Multi-functional nanocarriers based on iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) conjugated with doxorubicin (DOX), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and folic acid (FA) (IO-MMA-DOX-PEG-OCH3/FA) were prepared as theranostics for cancer therapy. Using mono-methyl adipate (MMA) as a linker, the anticancer drug, DOX, was conjugated on the surface of IONPs by acid-cleavable hydrazone bond. The average size of the IO-MMA-DOX-PEG-OCH3/FA nanocarriers was determined...