Introduction: Targeted gene delivery can overcome limitations of conventional chemotherapy. In this study, PEI/PEG-based multifunctional nanocapsules with dual targeting were designed by simultaneous modification with folic acid and glucose to enhance gene transfer efficiency into Hs-578T breast cancer cells. Materials and Methods: The synthesized nanocapsules were characterized using 1H-NMR, FTIR, and TGA. Particle size, morphology, and zeta potential were evaluated by DLS and TEM. Cytotoxicity, DNA binding and protection, and transfection efficiency of the target sequence (pEGFP-N1) were assessed using MTT assay, gel electrophoresis, flow cytometry, and fluorescence microscopy. Results: DLS analysis showed that PPF, PPG, and PPGF nanocapsules had average sizes ranging from 174 to 301 nm, with folic acid–modified nanocapsules exhibiting larger sizes than glucose-modified ones. Increasing the nanoparticle/DNA ratio reduced particle size and shifted the surface charge from −7.4 to +6.2 mV. DNA release studies demonstrated significantly higher release from PPG, PPF, and PPGF nanocapsules at pH=5.5 compared to pH=7.4, reaching 64.96% in the presence of dextran (100 µg.mL-1). Moreover, folic acid modification enhanced DNA release compared to glucose. MTT results indicated that PEI/DNA complexes induced over 50% cytotoxicity at concentrations above 30 µg/mL, whereas modified nanocapsules showed improved biocompatibility. Gel electrophoresis, flow cytometry, and fluorescence microscopy confirmed effective DNA binding, enzymatic protection, and efficient gene delivery, with dual-ligand modification achieving the highest transfection efficiency. Conclusion: Dual targeting with folic acid and glucose significantly enhances targeted gene delivery efficiency.
Yaghoubi, H. and Bayrami, A. (2026). Folic Acid and Glucose Functionalized PEG-PEI-Based Multifunctional Nanocapsules for Targeted Gene Delivery to Hs-578T Cancer Cells. Applied Chemistry Today, 21(78), 155-178. doi: 10.22075/chem.2026.39270.2398
MLA
Yaghoubi, H. , and Bayrami, A. . "Folic Acid and Glucose Functionalized PEG-PEI-Based Multifunctional Nanocapsules for Targeted Gene Delivery to Hs-578T Cancer Cells", Applied Chemistry Today, 21, 78, 2026, 155-178. doi: 10.22075/chem.2026.39270.2398
HARVARD
Yaghoubi, H., Bayrami, A. (2026). 'Folic Acid and Glucose Functionalized PEG-PEI-Based Multifunctional Nanocapsules for Targeted Gene Delivery to Hs-578T Cancer Cells', Applied Chemistry Today, 21(78), pp. 155-178. doi: 10.22075/chem.2026.39270.2398
CHICAGO
H. Yaghoubi and A. Bayrami, "Folic Acid and Glucose Functionalized PEG-PEI-Based Multifunctional Nanocapsules for Targeted Gene Delivery to Hs-578T Cancer Cells," Applied Chemistry Today, 21 78 (2026): 155-178, doi: 10.22075/chem.2026.39270.2398
VANCOUVER
Yaghoubi, H., Bayrami, A. Folic Acid and Glucose Functionalized PEG-PEI-Based Multifunctional Nanocapsules for Targeted Gene Delivery to Hs-578T Cancer Cells. Applied Chemistry Today, 2026; 21(78): 155-178. doi: 10.22075/chem.2026.39270.2398
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