Magnetic catechin-dextran conjugate as targeted therapeutic for pancreatic tumour cells

Background: Catechin–dextran conjugates have recently attracted a lot of attention due to their anticancer activity against a range of cancer cells. Magnetic nanoparticles have the ability to concentrate therapeutically important drugs due to their magnetic-spatial control and provide opportunities for targeted drug delivery.Purpose: Enhancement of the anticancer efficiency of catechin–dextran conjugate by functionalisation with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles.Methods: Modification of the coating shell of commercial magnetic nanoparticles (Endorem) composed of dextran with the catechin–dextran conjugate.Results: Catechin–dextran conjugated with Endorem (Endo–Cat) increased the intracellular concentration of the drug and it induced apoptosis in 98% of pancreatic tumour cells placed under magnetic field.Discussion: The conjugation of catechin–dextran with Endorem enhances the anticancer activity of this drug and provides a new strategy for targeted drug delivery on tumour cells driven by magnetic field.Conclusion: The ability to spatially control the delivery of the catechin–dextran by magnetic field makes it a promising agent for further application in cancer therapy.