Abstract

The development of targeted drug delivery systems is crucial for enhancing therapeutic efficacy and minimizing off-target toxicity in cancer treatment. This study investigates the potential of a novel nanosystem, Cy5-HSA@IONPs (Cyanine 5-labeled Human Serum Albumin-coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles), as a platform for intracellular drug delivery. The primary objective was to characterize the structural integrity and component stability of the nanosystem both in its pristine state and following its accumulation by tumor cells. We synthesized the Cy5-HSA@IONPs complex and employed a combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, including dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and fluorescence spectroscopy, to analyze its physicochemical properties. Cellular uptake kinetics and intracellular fate were monitored in a tumor cell line using the inherent fluorescence of the Cy5 label. Key findings indicate that the HSA coating provides excellent colloidal stability and biocompatibility, while the IONP core facilitates potential magnetic guidance. Crucially, the analysis of internalized nanosystems revealed the retention of the HSA and IONP components, suggesting a stable delivery vehicle that resists significant degradation within the endolysosomal pathway. These results validate the Cy5-HSA@IONPs nanosystem as a robust and promising platform, offering a foundation for future studies on targeted drug loading and release mechanisms within the cellular environment.