Development and characterization of pegylated Fe3O4-CAPE magnetic nanoparticles for targeted therapy and hyperthermia treatment of colorectal cancer.

The development of effective macromolecular drug delivery systems remains crucial for improving therapeutic outcomes in cancer treatment. This study presents the design, synthesis, and characterization of a novel polymer-modified magnetic nanocarrier system incorporating caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE). We synthesized Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles through surface modification with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and subsequent CAPE conjugation, creating a stable macromolecular complex for targeted drug delivery. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization revealed successful polymer functionalization and drug loading, with FTIR confirming specific molecular interactions between PEG and CAPE. The synthesized nanocarrier exhibited optimal size distribution (163.2 nm) and stability (zeta potential - 38.8 mV), with superparamagnetic properties suitable for targeted delivery. The polymer-drug complex demonstrated pH-dependent sustained release kinetics, with enhanced release under acidic conditions mimicking the tumor microenvironment. In vitro studies using HT29 colorectal cancer cells showed significant cytotoxicity (IC50: 15 µg/mL and 30 µg/mL) with and without hyperthermia induction. The synthesized CAPE-magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) complex showed modulation of MAPK and heat shock proteins. Hyperthermia induced CAPE-MNP treated cells showed reduced proliferation and abrogated tumor growth. Our findings establish this surface modified CAPE-MNP system as a promising macromolecular platform for enhanced drug delivery in cancer therapy.