Methotrexate-Transferrin-Functionalized Fe(Salen)-Polypyrrole Nanocomposites for Targeted Photo-/Magneto-Thermal Cancer Treatments

Abstract

Designing multi-modal topical drug delivery nanocarriers using nano-hybrid particles has received significant interest in targeted cancer therapy. In this study, magnetic Fe(salen)-conducting copolymer nanocomposites based on our previous iron salt-free synthesis method are surface-functionalized with methotrexate and transferrin proteins. The nano-hybrids show near-infrared-/magnetic field-responsive hyperthermal activity in vitro, which can be extraordinarily useful in magnetically guidable local cancer targeting as a versatile multi-modal therapeutic drug delivery system.