From:  Folic acid conjugated with serum albumin for nano- and submicron delivery systems for applications in therapy and diagnostics
 

Advantages of different folate-albumin systems (conjugates, albumin particles, and shell@core structures) depending on their composition

PropertyFolate-albumin conjugate
Folate-albumin NSPs
Folate-albumin shell@core NSPs
Tumor-targeting properties
    targeting via folate receptors and albumin-binding receptors (Gp18, Gp30, Gp60, and SPARC)+++
    albumin as a resource of amino acids and energy for cells+++
Performance of the systems in vivo
    biocompatibility+++
    biodegradability+++/–
    low immunogenicity+++
    long half-life, prolonged circulation in bloodstream+++
    minimal toxicity+++/–
    reduced thrombogenic activity+++
    colloidal stability+++
Areas of application
    ligand-derived applications (drug transport, PDT, visualization, etc.)+++
    core-derived applications (MRI, magnetic hyperthermia, etc.)N/AN/A+
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MRI: magnetic resonance imaging; NSPs: nanosized and submicron particles (or nano- and submicroparticles); PDT: photodynamic therapy; SPARC: secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine; N/A: not applicable