Multifunctional Nanoparticles as High-Efficient Targeted Hypericin System for Theranostic Melanoma

Biotin, spermine, and folic acid were covalently linked to the F127 copolymer to obtain a new drug delivery system designed for HY-loaded PDT treatment against B16F10 cells. Chemical structures and binders quantification were performed by spectroscopy and spectrophotometric techniques ((NMR)-N-1, HABA/Avidin reagent, fluorescamine assay). Critical micelle concentration, critical micelle temperature, size, polydispersity, and zeta potential indicate the hydrophobicity of the binders can influence the physicochemical parameters. Spermine-modified micelles showed fewer changes in their physical and chemical parameters than the F127 micelles without modification. Furthermore, zeta potential measurements suggest an increase in the physical stability of these carrier systems. The phototherapeutic potential was demonstrated using hypericin-loaded formulation against B16F10 cells, which shows that the combination of the binders on F127 copolymer micelles enhances the photosensitizer uptake and potentializes the photodynamic activity.

Automated summary

Biotin, spermine, and folic acid were covalently linked to the F127 copolymer to form a drug delivery system for treating B16F10 cells with HY-loaded PDT. Spectroscopy and spectrophotometric techniques were used to analyze the chemical structures and binders quantification. The hydrophobicity of the binders was found to affect the physicochemical parameters such as critical micelle concentration, critical micelle temperature, size, polydispersity, and zeta potential. The modification with spermine resulted in less changes in the physical and chemical parameters of the micelles.