Breakthrough in Cancer Treatment: Folate-Functionalized Zein-PEI Nanoparticles Show Promising Results

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Tarbiat Modares University in Iran have made a significant discovery in the field of cancer treatment. The team, led by Shokouh Rezaei, has developed folate-functionalized zein-PEI nanoparticles that show enhanced biocompatibility and targetability. These nanoparticles have been designed to deliver targeted cancer therapy with improved stability and reduced cytotoxicity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers developed a novel design framework for protein-based nanocarriers that combines experimental characterization with all-atom molecular dynamics simulations.
  • The folate-functionalized zein-PEI nanoparticles were found to have improved colloidal stability, reduced particle size, and increased surface charge in physiological media.
  • In vitro assays revealed a higher cellular uptake of the nanoparticles in FR-overexpressing MDA-MB-231 cells compared to fibroblasts, as shown by confocal microscopy.
  • MTT analysis demonstrated reduced cytotoxicity toward normal HFF cells while preserving selective antiproliferative effects in cancer cells.
  • The researchers used a synergistic approach, combining experimental characterization with molecular dynamics simulations to gain deeper mechanistic insight into the nanoparticles' efficiency.
  • The nanoparticles showed a conjugation efficiency of 45%, confirmed by UV-Vis, H NMR, and FTIR spectroscopy.
  • The particles had a reduced particle size of 96 nm, and increased surface charge to +32 mV in physiological media.
  • The nanoparticles demonstrated reduced cytotoxicity toward normal HFF cells, while preserving selective antiproliferative effects in cancer cells (IC 52.5 mg/mL at 24 h).
  • The researchers highlighted conformational adaptability and interfacial stability as essential for targeting efficiency.
  • The study underscores the potential of protein-based nanocarriers for safe and precise delivery of targeted cancer therapy.

Sources:

  • Folate-functionalized Zein-PEI nanoparticles for targeted cancer therapy: Integrated experimental and molecular dynamics insights into stability, uptake, and cytotoxicity. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2025;320:145954.
  • Tarbiat Modares University Reports Findings in Cancer (Folate-functionalized Zein-PEI nanoparticles for targeted cancer therapy: Integrated experimental and molecular dynamics insights into stability, uptake, and cytotoxicity). Physics Week. July 29, 2025; p 1493.