Folic acid-functionalized tea polyphenol as a tumor-targeting nano-drug delivery system

Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) is the main component of green tea which can strongly bind to proteins, small molecular drugs, and DNA. Therefore, EGCG can be used to deliver biomacromolecules and drugs. In this study, a doxorubicin (DOX) delivery system (FPE/DOX NPs) based on the folic acid-functionalized EGCG was developed for the targeting therapy of ovarian cancer. Cellular uptake studies showed that FPE/DOX NPs enhanced DOX uptake by SKOV3 cells compared with PE/DOX NPs that without folic acid modification. In vitro, the toxicity of FPE/DOX NPs to SKOV3 cells was stronger than nanoparticles without folic acid modification. In vivo, the SKOV3 tumor growth inhibition effect of FPE/DOX NPs was substantially more effective than other groups. Together, the results of this study suggested that FPE/DOX NPs may have promising applications in ovarian cancer therapy. (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

The study demonstrated that the DOX delivery system based on folic acid-functionalized EGCG showed promising results in targeting therapy for ovarian cancer. Enhanced cellular uptake, increased toxicity, and better tumor growth inhibition effect were observed compared to other groups, indicating potential applications in ovarian cancer therapy.