Engineering a Bi-functional Nanoplatform containing FH peptide for Preferential Cardiac Delivery to Counteract Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity

Abstract Background DOX, an anthracycline antibiotic, is extensively utilized in the treatment of various solid tumors and hematological malignancies but is constrained by its cumulative cardiotoxicity. PDA has emerged as a promising drug delivery platform owing to its superior biocompatibility, pH-responsive drug release capability, and multifunctional surface properties. Methods we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of PDA-Dex/FH, encompassing its physicochemical characteristics, drug release kinetics, in vitro biosafety, and cardiac targeting efficacy. Additionally, we examined its cardioprotective effect against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and its preservation of antitumor activity in both cellular and murine models. Results Our comprehensive analysis, including spectroscopic