Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for enhancing uptake of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) having a therapeutic agent associated therein to a target site (e.g., a tumor), thereby resulting in elevated level of therapeutic agents being accumulated in the target site. The method comprises concurrently administering a sufficient amount of a polyphenolic compound and MNPs to the target site. Also disclosed herein is a method for treating a cancer in a subject. The method comprises concurrently administering an effective amount of the polyphenolic compound and MNPs to the subject, so as to ameliorate or alleviate symptoms associated with the cancer.

Abstract: A composition for enhancing cellular uptake of carrier particles comprises a delivery system for a drug or biochemical molecule; and a polyphenolic compound, wherein the polyphenolic compound is added to the drug or biochemical molecule delivery system to enhance cellular uptake of drug or biochemical molecules carried by the delivery system. A method for the same is also disclosed, wherein a polyphenolic compound or its derivative is mixed with an existing delivery system for drug or biochemical molecule, and the mixture is used to deliver drug or biochemical molecules into cells or an organism. The method is easy to operate and does not require further chemical reaction in process of the existing delivery system. The delivery system may include a magnetic carrier that can be guided to a specified region by an external magnetic field, consequently increased the amount of the drug or biochemical molecules acting on target cells.