Development of modified nano/micromotor based controlled drug release systems for cancer treatment

This thesis focuses on the development of synthetic motors at the nano/micro scale, aiming to overcome the limitations of conventional methods in cancer treatment, and their use as drug delivery systems. Synthetic nano/micromotors possess the ability to be directed towards cancer cells and to enable precise drug release. Magnetically guided synthetic nano/micromotors can be directed to the tumor microenvironment and are capable of drug delivery. Depending on the component used in the synthesis of synthetic nano/micromotors, near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive nano/micromotors can be utilized to achieve precise drug transport and release. Within the scope of this thesis, micromotors synthesized using gold (Au) and magnetically active nickel (Ni) for cancer treatment were characterized using various methods, including optical and fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential measurement, and cyclic voltammetry analysis. The characterized nano/micromotors were functionalized in the presence of different components. As a result of this functionalization process, four different drug concentrations were loaded onto the motors, and at each stage, the speeds and fluorescence intensities of the motors were measured and recorded. In the final stage, the drug release profile of DOX-loaded magnetic motors was investigated under different pH conditions both in the presence and absence of NIR. The drug release profile of the motors was evaluated using two-factor validation. The consistency of the results obtained from in vitro analyses was assessed. It was concluded that this thesis holds great promise for offering higher therapeutic potential, reduced side effects, and a more personalized treatment approach in cancer therapy.