Folic acid conjugated nanoparticles of mixed lipid monolayer shell and biodegradable polymer core for targeted delivery of Docetaxel

A system of narroparticles of mixed lipid monolayer shell and biodegradable polymer core was developed for targeted delivery of anticancer drugs with Docetaxel as a model drug, which provide targeting versatility with a quantitative control of the targeting effect by adjusting the lipid component ratio of the mixed lipid monolayer, and combine the advantages and avoid disadvantages of polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes in drug delivery. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the coating of the mixed lipid monolayer on the polymeric core. Fluorescent microscopy proved the targeting efficacy of the folic acid conjugated on the mixed lipid monolayer for the cancer cells of over expression of folate receptors. The folic acid conjugated nanoparticles of mixed lipid monolayer shell and biodegradable polymer core were proved to possess sustainable, controlled and targeted delivery of anticancer drugs with Docetaxel as a model drug, which may provide a drug delivery system of precise control of the targeting effect. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.