Dual surface-functionalized Janus nanocomposites of polystyrene/Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ for simultaneous tumor cell targeting and stimulus-induced drug release.

Folic acid (FA) and doxorubicin (DOX) are coupled separately onto Fe3 O4 @SiO2 and polystyrene surfaces of a unique polystyrene/Fe3 O4 @SiO2 Janus structure. This super-paramagnetic, dual-functionalized Janus nanocomposite enables effective tumor cell targeting and internalization via the folate receptor, and induces significant cancer cell death by controlled, stimulus-induced drug release under acidic conditions in endosomal compartments.