Folate Functionalized Dual Responsive Nanogels for Targeted Intracellular Drug Delivery in Cancer Therapy

José-Manuel Cornejo-Bravo – Professor, Autonomous University of Baja California; Arturo Estolano-Cobian – Professor, Autonomous University of Baja California; Héctor-Alfonso Magaña-Badilla – Professor, Autonomous University of Baja California; Kenia Palomino-Vizcaíno – Professor, Autonomous University of Baja California; Giovanni Palomino-Vizcaino – Professor, Autonomous University of Baja California

Introduction:

Despite advances in oncology, therapeutic efficacy is often compromised by the systemic toxicity and poor specificity of antineoplastic drugs [1]. Nanoparticles offer a versatile platform to modify drug-tissue interactions, enhancing selectivity [2].. Specifically, folic acid (FA) targeting leverages the overexpression of folate receptors in various cancer cells[3]  . This study aims to develop dual-responsive microgels functionalized with FA to achieve precise delivery. These systems are designed to respond to pH and thermal changes in the tumor microenvironment.