Quantitative Examination of the Active Targeting Effect: The Key Factor for Maximal Tumor Accumulation and Retention of Short-Circulated Biopolymeric Nanocarriers

Targeted and nontargeted biopolymeric nanoparticles with identical hydrodynamic sizes and surface charges were quantitatively examined in terms of the pharmacokinetic and biodistribution differences in detail. In adding cancer cell targeting folate molecules to the surface of the heparin nanocarriers, the amount of drug delivered to the tumor is doubled, and tumor growth inhibition is significantly enhanced. The folate-targeted heparin particles offered similar therapeutic potentials compared to their synthetic long-circulating analogues, thus presenting a viable alternative for drug-delivery vehicle construction using biological polymers, which are easier for the body to eliminate.