Folic Acid-Targeted MXene Nanoparticles for Doxorubicin Loaded Drug Delivery

Abstract

MXenes are two-dimensional (2D) materials with a large specific surface area and abundant surface functional groups. A folate receptors-targeted drug carrier was constructed based on the rich surface functional groups and high biocompatibility of MXenes. This drug carrier possesses as high as 69.9 % drug-loading capability and as long as 48 h drug release time. Tumour targeting and a pH-responsive mechanism can make MXene nanoparticles quickly accumulate in tumour sites and slowly release loads. The results showed that DOX was released in a large amount in a PBS solution at pH 4.5. Compared with the naked drug, MXenes-FA-SP@DOX has a higher cell inhibition rate and a longer drug action time at a lower concentration (less than 10 μg mg−1). This drug delivery system exhibited potential applications for the treatment of malignant tumour and this work extends the biomedical applications of MXenes in nanomedicine.