Synthesis and Characterization of Copper Ferrite and Manganese Ferrite Nanoparticles and their Toxicity on Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract

Ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as promising candidates for cancer treatment due to their unique magnetic properties and biocompatibility, which facilitate targeted drug delivery. This study focuses on the synthesis of copper ferrite (CuFe₂O₄) and manganese ferrite (MnFe₂O₄) nanoparticles using a hydrothermal method, and assesses their cytotoxic effects on human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells. Characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), confirmed the successful formation of pure spinel structures. XRD patterns aligned with standard references, while SEM images indicated nearly spherical shapes, with average diameters of 145 nm for CuFe₂O₄ and 170 nm for MnFe₂O₄. EDX analysis validated elemental composition, and FTIR spectra showed characteristic metal–oxygen vibrations. UV-Vis spectra exhibited specific peaks for both ferrites, highlighting charge-transfer transitions. Magnetic analysis revealed ferromagnetism, with MnFe₂O₄ exhibiting a higher saturation magnetization. In vitro assays showed that CuFe₂O₄ significantly reduced the viability of MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting its potential as a biocompatible candidate for targeted breast cancer therapy. Additional research is needed to discover mechanisms of action and in vivo efficacy.