Aminodextran Coated CoFe2O4 Nanoparticles for Combined Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Hyperthermia

Magnetic hyperthermia in cancer therapy, mechanisms, and recent advances: A review

Hyperthermia therapy refers to the elevating of a region in the body for therapeutic purposes. Different techniques have been applied for hyperthermia therapy including laser, microwave, radiofrequency, ultrasonic, and magnetic nanoparticles and the latter have received great attention in recent years. Magnetic hyperthermia in cancer therapy aims to increase the temperature of the body tissue by locally delivering heat from the magnetic nanoparticles to cancer cells with the aid of an external alternating magnetic field to kill the cancerous cells or prevent their further growth. This review introduces magnetic hyperthermia with magnetic nanoparticles. It includes the mechanism of the operation and magnetism behind the magnetic hyperthermia phenomenon. Different synthesis methods and surface modification to enhance the biocompatibility, water solubility, and stability of the nanoparticles in physiological environments have been discussed. Recent research on versatile types of magnetic nanoparticles with their ability to increase the local temperature has been addressed.

Biocompatible gelatin-coated ferrite nanoparticles: A magnetic approach to advanced drug delivery

Nanotechnology has transformed drug delivery, offering opportunities to enhance treatment outcomes while minimizing adverse effects. This study focuses on gelatin-coated cobalt and manganese ferrite nanoparticles for potential drug delivery applications. The synthesis involved a co-precipitation method, and the nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Results revealed stable structures, distinct chemical features introduced by gelatin coating, and unique magnetic properties. The hemolysis assay demonstrated reduced hemolytic activity with gelatin coating, enhancing biocompatibility. Drug release studies indicated differential release profiles, with gelatin-coated cobalt ferrite exhibiting higher drug release compared to gelatin-coated manganese ferrite. The Higuchi model supported diffusion-controlled drug release for gelatin-coated cobalt ferrite. These findings suggest the potential of gelatin-coated ferrite nanoparticles for controlled and targeted drug delivery, highlighting their significance in advancing nanomedicine.

Cellulose beads supported CoFe2O4: A novel heterogeneous catalyst for efficient rhodamine B degradation via advanced oxidation processes

In this study, a novel mechanical process was used to produce cellulose beads (CB). These beads were then doped with cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe2O4 NPs) to serve as catalysts for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) through peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. The physical and chemical properties of CoFe2O4 and CoFe2O4@CB catalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) techniques, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). To optimize RhB degradation efficiency, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed, utilizing the Box-Behnken design (BBD). Under the optimized conditions of a catalyst dosage of 0.40 g/L, PMS dosage of 0.98 mM, RhB concentration of 40 mg/L, pH of 5.27, and reaction time of 60 min, a remarkable degradation efficiency of 98.51 % was achieved at a temperature of 25 °C. In quenching experiments, 1O2, SO4•-, and HO• species are produced in the CoFe2O4@CB/PMS system, with 1O2, and SO4•- species dominating RhB degradation. Remarkably, the new CoFe2O4@CB catalyst has demonstrated exceptional stability and reusability, validated by recycling tests (up to 78 % of RhB degradation efficiency after a 5-cycle experiment) and subsequent characterizations (FTIR, SEM, and EDX) emphasizing unchanged bands, uniform distribution, and consistent composition after reuse cycles. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of mechanically produced CoFe2O4@CB catalysts for advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), with promising applications in wastewater treatment.

Molten salt synthesis of disordered spinel CoFe2O4 with improved electrochemical performance for sodium-ion batteries

Sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries are currently being investigated as an attractive substitute for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries in large energy storage systems because of the more abundant and less expensive supply of Na than Li. However, the reversible capacity of Na-ions is limited because Na possesses a large ionic radius and has a higher standard electrode potential than that of Li, making it challenging to obtain electrode materials that are capable of storing large quantities of Na-ions. This study investigates the potential of CoFe2O4 synthesised via the molten salt method as an anode for Na-ion batteries. The obtained phase structure, morphology and charge and discharge properties of CoFe2O4 are thoroughly assessed. The synthesised CoFe2O4 has an octahedron morphology, with a particle size in the range of 1.1-3.6 μm and a crystallite size of ∼26 nm. Moreover, the CoFe2O4 (M800) electrodes can deliver a high discharge capacity of 839 mA h g-1 in the first cycle at a current density of 0.1 A g-1, reasonable cyclability of 98 mA h g-1 after 100 cycles and coulombic efficiency of ∼99%. The improved electrochemical performances of CoFe2O4 can be due to Na-ion-pathway shortening, wherein the homogeneity and small size of CoFe2O4 particles may enhance the Na-ion transportation. Therefore, this simple synthetic approach using molten salt favours the Na-ion diffusion and electron transport to a great extent and maximises the utilisation of CoFe2O4 as a potential anode material for Na-ion batteries.

Newly Synthesized CoFe2-xDyxO4 (x = 0; 0.1; 0.2; 0.4) Nanoparticles Reveal Promising Anticancer Activity against Melanoma (A375) and Breast Cancer (MCF-7) Cells

The current study focuses on the synthesis via combustion of dysprosium-doped cobalt ferrites that were subsequently physicochemically analyzed in terms of morphological and magnetic properties. Three types of doped nanoparticles were prepared containing different Dy substitutions and coated with HPGCD for higher dispersion properties and biocompatibility, and were later submitted to biological tests in order to reveal their potential anticancer utility. Experimental data obtained through FTIR, XRD, SEM and TEM confirmed the inclusion of Dy3+ ions in the nanoparticles' structure. The size of the newly formed nanoparticles ranged between 20 and 50 nm revealing an inverse proportional relationship with the Dy content. Magnetic studies conducted by VSM indicated a decrease in remanent and saturation mass magnetization, respectively, in Dy-doped nanoparticles in a direct proportionality with the Dy content; the decrease was further amplified by cyclodextrin complexation. Biological assessment in the presence/absence of red light revealed a significant cytotoxic activity in melanoma (A375) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cells, while healthy keratinocytes (HaCaT) remained generally unaffected, thus revealing adequate selectivity. The investigation of the underlying cytotoxic molecular mechanism revealed an apoptotic process as indicated by nuclear fragmentation and shrinkage, as well as by Western blot analysis of caspase 9, p53 and cyclin D1 proteins. The anticancer activity for all doped Co ferrites varied was in a direct correlation to their Dy content but without being affected by the red light irradiation.

Spinel ferrite nanoparticles as potential materials in chlorophenol removal from wastewater

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) including chlorophenols (CPs) are increasing in water effluents, creating serious problems for both aquatic and terrestrial lives. Several research attempts have considered the removal of CPs by functionalised nanomaterials as adsorbents and catalysts. Besides the unique crystal structure, spinel ferrite nanomaterials (SFNs) own interesting optical and magnetic properties that give them the potential to be utilised in the removal of different types of CPs. In this review, we highlighted the recent research work that focused on the application of SFNs in the removal of different CP substances based on the number of chlorine atom attached to the phenolic compound. We have also discussed the structure and properties of SFN along with their numerous characterisation tools. We demonstrated the importance of identifying the structure, surface area, porosity, optical properties, etc. in the efficiency of the SFN during the CP removal process. The reviewed research efforts applied photocatalysis, wet peroxide oxidation (WPO), persulfate activated oxidation and adsorption. The studies presented different paths of enhancing the SFN ability to remove the CPs including doping (ion substitution), oxide composite structure and polymer composite structure. Experimental parameters such as temperature, dosage of CPs and SFN structure have shown to have a major effect in the CP removal efficiency. More attention is needed to investigate the different properties of SFN that can be tailored through different techniques and expected to have major role in the removal mechanism of CPs.

Optimization of cobalt ferrite magnetic nanoparticle as a theranostic agent: MRI and hyperthermia

OBJECTIVE

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are considered a theranostic agent in MR imaging, playing an effective role in inducing magnetic hyperthermia. Since, high-performance magnetic theranostic agents are characterized by superparamagnetic behavior and high anisotropy, in this study, cobalt ferrite MNPs were optimized and investigated as a theranostic agent.

METHODS

CoFe2O4@Au@dextran particles were synthesized and characterized by DLS, HRTEM, SEM, XRD, FTIR, and VSM methods. After cytotoxicity evaluation, MR imaging parameters (r1, r2 and r2 / r1) were calculated for these nanostructures. Afterward, magnetic hyperthermia at the frequency of 425 kHz was applied to calculate specific loss power (SLP).

RESULTS

Formation of CoFe2O4@Au@dextran was confirmed by UV-Visible spectrophotometry. On the basis of the relaxometric and hyperthermia induction findings of nanostructures in all stages of synthesis, the CoFe2O4@Au@dextran could produce the highest parameters of r2 and r2/r1 and SLP with values ​​of 389.7, 51.2 mM-1 s-1, and 2449 W/g, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The formation of multi-core MNPs by dextran coating is expected to improve the magnetic properties of the nanostructure, leading to optimization of theranostic parameters, so that CoFe2O4@Au@dextran NPs can create contrast-enhanced images more than three times the clinical use and require less contrast agent, reducing side effects. Accordingly, CoFe2O4@Au@dextran can be introduced as a suitable theranostic nanostructure with optimal efficiency.

Electrospun Magnetic Nanofiber Mats for Magnetic Hyperthermia in Cancer Treatment Applications-Technology, Mechanism, and Materials

The number of cancer patients is rapidly increasing worldwide. Among the leading causes of human death, cancer can be regarded as one of the major threats to humans. Although many new cancer treatment procedures such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical methods are nowadays being developed and used for testing purposes, results show limited efficiency and high toxicity, even if they have the potential to damage cancer cells in the process. In contrast, magnetic hyperthermia is a field that originated from the use of magnetic nanomaterials, which, due to their magnetic properties and other characteristics, are used in many clinical trials as one of the solutions for cancer treatment. Magnetic nanomaterials can increase the temperature of nanoparticles located in tumor tissue by applying an alternating magnetic field. A very simple, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly method is the fabrication of various types of functional nanostructures by adding magnetic additives to the spinning solution in the electrospinning process, which can overcome the limitations of this challenging treatment process. Here, we review recently developed electrospun magnetic nanofiber mats and magnetic nanomaterials that support magnetic hyperthermia therapy, targeted drug delivery, diagnostic and therapeutic tools, and techniques for cancer treatment.

Biocompatibility and colorectal anti-cancer activity study of nanosized BaTiO3 coated spinel ferrites

In the present work, different nanoparticles spinel ferrite series (MFe2O4, Co0.5M0.5Fe2O4; M = Co, Mn, Ni, Mg, Cu, or Zn) have been obtained via sonochemical approach. Then, sol-gel method was employed to design core-shell magnetoelectric nanocomposites by coating these nanoparticles with BaTiO3 (BTO). The structure and morphology of the prepared samples were examined by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM), and zeta potential. XRD analysis showed the presence of spinel ferrite and BTO phases without any trace of a secondary phase. Both phases crystallized in the cubic structure. SEM micrographs illustrated an agglomeration of spherical grains with nonuniformly diphase orientation and different degrees of agglomeration. Moreover, HR-TEM revealed interplanar d-spacing planes that are in good agreement with those of the spinel ferrite phase and BTO phase. These techniques along with EDX analyses confirmed the successful formation of the desired nanocomposites. Zeta potential was also investigated. The biological influence of (MFe2O4, CoMFe) MNPs and core-shell (MFe2O4@BTO, CoMFe@BTO) magnetoelectric nanocomposites were examined by MTT and DAPI assays. Post 48 h of treatments, the anticancer activity of MNPs and MENCs was investigated on human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT-116) against the cytocompatibility of normal non-cancerous cells (HEK-293). It was established that MNPs possess anti-colon cancer capability while MENCs exhibited a recovery effect due to the presence of a protective biocompatible BTO layer. RBCs hemolytic effect of NPs has ranged from non- to low-hemolytic effect. This effect that could be attributed to the surface charge from zeta potential, also the CoMnFe possesses the stable and lowest zeta potential in comparison with CoFe2O4 and MnFe2O4 also to the protective effect of shell. These findings open up wide prospects for biomedical applications of MNPs as anticancer and MENCs as promising drug nanocarriers.

Nanoparticles of Bioactive Metals/Metal Oxides and Their Nanocomposites with Antibacterial Drugs for Biomedical Applications

The increasing appearance of new strains of microorganisms resistant to the action of existing antibiotics is a modern problem that requires urgent decision. A promising potential solution is the use of nanoparticles of bioactive metals and their oxides as new antibacterial agents, since they are capable of affecting pathogenic microorganisms by mechanisms different from the mechanisms of action of antibiotics. Inorganic nanoparticles possess a wide spectrum of antibacterial activity. These particles can be easily conjugated with drug molecules and become carriers in targeted drug-delivery systems. This paper discusses the benefits and prospects of the application of nanoparticles from metals and metal oxides and their nanocomposites with antibacterial drugs.

Theoretical Study on Specific Loss Power and Heating Temperature in CoFe2O4 Nanoparticles as Possible Candidate for Alternative Cancer Therapy by Superparamagnetic Hyperthemia

In this paper, we present a theoretical study on the maximum specific loss power in the admissible biological limit (PsM)l for CoFe2O4 ferrimagnetic nanoparticles, as a possible candidate in alternative and non-invasive cancer therapy by superparamagnetic hyperthermia. The heating time of the nanoparticles (Δto) at the optimum temperature of approx. 43 °C for the efficient destruction of tumor cells in a short period of time, was also studied. We found the maximum specific loss power PsM (as a result of superparamegnetic relaxation in CoFe2O4 nanoparticles) for very small diameters of the nanoparticles (Do), situated in the range of 5.88–6.67 nm, and with the limit frequencies (fl) in the very wide range of values of 83–1000 kHz, respectively. Additionally, the optimal heating temperature (To) of 43 °C was obtained for a very wide range of values of the magnetic field H, of 5–60 kA/m, and the corresponding optimal heating times (Δto) were found in very short time intervals in the range of ~0.3–44 s, depending on the volume packing fraction (ε) of the nanoparticles. The obtained results, as well as the very wide range of values for the amplitude H and the frequency f of the external alternating magnetic field for which superparamagnetic hyperthermia can be obtained, which are great practical benefits in the case of hyperthermia, demonstrate that CoFe2O4 nanoparticles can be successfully used in the therapy of cancer by superaparamagnetic hyperthermia. In addition, the very small size of magnetic nanoparticles (only a few nm) will lead to two major benefits in cancer therapy via superparamagnetic hyperthermia, namely: (i) the possibility of intracellular therapy which is much more effective due to the ability to destroy tumor cells from within and (ii) the reduced cell toxicity.

A Concise Review: The Role of Stem Cells in Cancer Progression and Therapy

The properties of cancer stem cells (CSCs) have recently gained attention as an avenue of intervention for cancer therapy. In this review, we highlight some of the key roles of CSCs in altering the cellular microenvironment in favor of cancer progression. We also report on various studies in this field which focus on transformative properties of CSCs and their influence on surrounding cells or targets through the release of cellular cargo in the form of extracellular vesicles. The findings from these studies encourage the development of novel interventional therapies that can target and prevent cancer through efficient, more effective methods. These methods include targeting immunosuppressive proteins and biomarkers, promoting immunization against tumors, exosome-mediated CSC conversion, and a focus on the quiescent properties of CSCs and their role in cancer progression. The resulting therapeutic benefit and transformative potential of these novel approaches to stem cell-based cancer therapy provide a new direction in cancer treatment, which can focus on nanoscale, molecular properties of the cellular microenvironment and establish a more precision medicine-oriented paradigm of treatment.