Folate-conjugated beta-cyclodextrin-based polymeric micelles with enhanced doxorubicin antitumor efficacy

- Folate-PEL-β-CD, an amphiphilic copolymer using β-cyclodextrin as the natural star core and folate-conjugated poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactide) segments as the shell, was synthesized.
- The treatment with 10 mg/kg DOX loaded FA-PEL-CD micelles achieved approximately 86% of tumor growth inhibition compared to the control.
- Ex vivo fluorescence imaging experiments and histological examination confirmed that folate modification can enhance the antitumorigenesis efficacy and reduce the cardiotoxicity of DOX.