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Synthesis, characterization, and optimization of Co-, Mn-, and Zn-substituted ferrite nanoparticles and nanoclusters for cancer theranostic applications

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Abstract

In the diagnosis and treatment of cancerous tissues by nanoparticles, several injections with high doses of these particles have adverse biological effects. To overcome this dilemma, one approach would be to create multifunctional structures with simultaneous diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Hence, in this study, highly versatile superparamagnetic iron oxide-based nanoclusters with the proposed functionality are introduced. Cobalt ferrite as a hyperthermia agent and manganese–zinc ferrite as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were synthesized and aggregated into clusters. The resultant structures were compared with the nanoparticles produced through the substitution of the same ions in the magnetic crystal lattice. The clusters were synthesized in a two-step process without any capping agent and the effect of particle’s surface potential on cluster formation in the presence of anionic and cationic surfactants was investigated. The magnetic properties and the suitability of the created structure are evaluated to confirm the feasibility for hyperthermia and clinical MRI application. Overall, the results demonstrated that the spherical compact clusters containing Co0.6Fe2.4O4 and Mn0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 nanoparticles, with an average size of 100 nm, exhibited intrinsic loss power (ILP) of 15.72 nHm2/kg, relaxation rates ratio (r2/r1) of 16.62, and good colloidal stability suitable for cancerous applications.

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Correspondence to Behzad Bakhshi.

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Bakhshi, B., Enayati, M.H. & Labbaf, S. Synthesis, characterization, and optimization of Co-, Mn-, and Zn-substituted ferrite nanoparticles and nanoclusters for cancer theranostic applications. Appl Nanosci 12, 1977–1991 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13204-022-02421-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13204-022-02421-w

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