Self-propelled platinum based magnetite Janus nanomotors prepared from PCL and PHEMA graft copolymer with physicochemical properties motility and peroxidase-like activity

The present research focused on the manufacturing and designing of a magnetic self-propelled theranostic Janus nanomotor for targeted cancer cell diagnosis and treatment. Platinum (Pt)-based magnetite Janus nanomotors were synthesized by the Pickering Janus emulsions method and used as carriers for the chemotherapy drug Doxorubicin (DOX). Nanomotors were functionalized with a folic acid (FA) ligand and two biocompatible and biodegradable polymers, polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA), termed Ac/FA-PHEMA-g-PCL MNP. The hydrodynamic diameter, zeta potential, morphology, drug loading capacity and in-vitro release at pH 7.4 and 5.8, MR contrast agent potential, motility, and peroxidase-like activity of the synthesized nanomotors were analyzed. The findings showed their size of 105.275 ± 26.48 nm and zeta potential of -45.63 ± 0.80 mV and proved cellular internalization, the ability of motion and H₂O₂ catalyze, and diagnostic feature by MRI about them. The drug's cumulative release from nanomotors was restricted. Only 37.26% and 49.90% of the encapsulated drug were released within 24 h at 37 °C in neutral and acidic pH levels, respectively. Under hyperthermia, the release also only reached 58.05%. Ac/FA-PHEMA-g-PCL MNP Janus nanomotors were found to be promising platforms for diagnosing and treating cancer cells.