Targeted uptake of folic acid-functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles by ovarian cancer cells in the presence but not in the absence of serum

Targeted, i.e. receptor-mediated cellular uptake of folic acid (FA)-conjugated iron oxide nanoparticles is shown for particles with SiO2 coating, but not for particles with poly(ethylene glycol), PEG coating. Both particles displayed excellent biocompatibility.52