Synthesis of 20-nm-sized CoAl-LDH nanoparticles modified with folic acid for enhanced cancer cell targeting

Nanomaterials with a highly exposed surface are a topic of growing interest for their application in chemodynamic therapy (CDT). In this study, we have demonstrated a facile synthesis of 20-nm-sized CoAl layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles modified with folic acid. The surface modification of the nanoparticles with folic acid was performed using an electrostatic interaction between the glutamate moiety of folic acid and CoAl LDH. The modification with FA was found to be advantageous for the controlled dissolution of LDH nanoparticles in a pH-responsive manner. Additionally, cell culture tests suggest that the materials exhibit targeting properties towards cancer cells for the enhancement of cellular uptake. The unique nanometric CoAl-LDH-based material is a good candidate to fill the gap between delaminated sheets with a single layer thickness and large well-crystallized LDHs and is promising as a Co-based nanomaterial for CDT application. Exceptionally small CoAl LDH nanoparticles modified with folic acid are demonstrated to function as a bio-related material.