Multifunctional magnetic calcium phosphate nanoparticles for targeted platin delivery

Magnetic mesoporous amorphous calcium phosphate nanoparticles with a size of 62 nm and abundant -COOH groups on the surface have been prepared by a simple method. The particles show excellent aqueous dispersion stability in physiological pH without any deterioration in hydrodynamic size and zetapotential. By virtue of the carboxylate groups on the surface, the platinum pharmacophore cis-diaquadiamine platinum(II), folic acid and rhodamine isothiocyanate were conjugated on these magnetic calcium phosphate nanoparticles. The cytotoxicity and internalization efficiency of these nanocarriers have been evaluated on folate receptor overexpressed HeLa cells. These drug loaded nanoagents exhibit elevated cytotoxicity and induce apoptosis in HeLa cells.