Sonochemical fabrication of folic acid functionalized multistimuli-responsive magnetic graphene oxide-based nanocapsules for targeted drug delivery

A novel folic acid (FA) functionalized multistimuli-responsive magnetic graphene oxide (GO)-based nanocapsules (FA-MRMGONCs) were designed as a targeted drug carrier. The FA-MRMGONCs were obtained successfully from thiolated GO (TGO) and FA functionalized thiolated chitosan (FA-CS-SH) via sonochemical approach. FA-MRMGONCs were endowed with photothermal properties from GO. The hydrosulfuryl groups (-SH) of TGO and FA-CS-SH would be cross-linked to form the disulfide bonds under sonication. The disulfide bonds could be broken under reductive trigger and showed excellent reductive responsiveness to control drugs release. The oleic acid modified Fe₃O₄ NPs (OA-Fe₃O₄ NPs) were encapsulated into the FA-MRMGONCs and endowed FA-MRMGONCs with favorable magnetic guide functionality. Moreover, FA-MRMGONCs showed attractive FA-receptor-mediated targeting ability to the FA-receptors (FRs) positive cells due to the immobilization of FA on FA-MRMGONCs. The novel FA-MRMGONCs could be a promising smart nanocarrier for targeted delivery and triggered release of hydrophobic drugs for the cancer therapy in biomedical applications.