In vitro biological evaluation of a novel folic acid-targeted receptor quantum dot−β−cyclodextrin carrier for C−2028 unsymmetrical bisacridine in the treatment of human lung and prostate cancers

Traditional small-molecule chemotherapeutics usually do not distinguish tumors from healthy tissues. However, nanotechnology creates nanocarriers that selectively deliver drugs to their site of action. This work is the next step in the development of the quantum dot−β−cyclodextrin−folic acid (QD−β−CD−FA) platform for targeted and selected delivery of C−2028 unsymmetrical bisacridine in cancer therapy.

Herein, we report an initial biological evaluation (using flow cytometry and light microscopy) as well as cell migration analysis of QD−β−CD(C−2028)−FA nanoconjugate and its components in the selected human lung and prostate cancer cells, as well as against their respective normal cells.

C−2028 compound induced apoptosis, which was much stronger in cancer cells compared to normal cells. Conjugation of C−2028 with QD_green increased cellular senescence, while the introduction of FA to the conjugate significantly decreased this process. C−2028 nanoencapsulation also reduced cell migration. Importantly, QD_green and QD_green−β−CD−FA themselves did not induce any toxic responses in studied cells.

In conclusion, the results demonstrate the high potential of a novel folic acid-targeted receptor quantum dot−β−cyclodextrin carrier (QD_green−β−CD−FA) for drug delivery in cancer treatment. Nanoplatforms increased the amount of delivered compounds and demonstrated high suitability.