Synthesis and Characterization of a Manganese Ferrite-Based Theranostic Nanoparticle for Multimodal Cancer Therapy via Drug Delivery and Oxygen Therapy.

Cancer develops through a gradual accumulation of genetic mutations and molecular disruptions that drive cells toward uncontrolled growth and metastasis. Although conventional treatments such as chemotherapy are widely applied, they often face major challenges, including limited targeting ability, harmful side effects on healthy tissues, and the emergence of multi-drug resistance. These limitations have encouraged the pursuit of advanced, multifunctional nanomaterials capable of integrating diagnosis and therapy. Theranostic nanoparticles, which combine imaging functions and therapeutic effects within a single nanoscale system, have emerged as promising tools for achieving more Precise and Personalized cancer management. In this study, a new four-component theranostic nanocomposite composed of manganese ferrite (MnFe۲O۴), polydopamine (PDA), calcium peroxide (CaO۲), and alginate is introduced. Each component contributes a distinct functional role, creating a synergistic platform for cancer imaging and treatment. The MnFe۲O۴ core provides strong magnetic behavior that enhances MRI contrast, enabling non-invasive visualization of tumor regions. The PDA coating supplies excellent Photothermal conversion capability, whereby it transforms near-infrared (NIR) light into heat, facilitating localized photothermal ablation of cancer cells. Tumor hypoxia, a condition arising from the rapid proliferation of cancer cells and insufficient oxygen supply, significantly hinders therapeutic effectiveness by activating pathways such as HIF signaling and promoting VEGF-mediated angiogenesis. To address this challenge, CaO۲ is incorporated within an alginate matrix to enable controlled oxygen release in the tumor microenvironment. This oxygenation strategy is intended to relieve hypoxia and enhance overall therapeutic response. Extensive physicochemical characterization confirms successful fabrication of the composite. X-ray diffraction identifies the expected crystalline phases of MnFe۲O۴ and CaO۲, while FTIR spectra verify the presence of all four components. The nanocomposite exhibits good colloidal stability with a zeta potential of -۲۴.۵ mV. Magnetic analysis shows that the saturation magnetization decreases from ۲۱.۳۵ emu/g in pure MnFe۲O۴ to ۷.۲۴ emu/g in the fully synthesized nanocomposite, indicating effective coating and integration of additional layers. Under NIR irradiation, the nanocomposite elevates temperature to approximately ۴۵ °C, confirming strong photothermal efficiency capable of generating therapeutic heat. Overall, the Final nanocomposite offers a well-integrated platform that unites enhanced imaging capability, Potent photothermal activity, and oxygen-Release functionality. These combined features position the nanocomposite as a promising candidate for next-generation theranostic strategies designed to overcome major obstacles in cancer treatment and support real-time monitoring of therapeutic outcomes.

کلیدواژه ها:

Theranostic nanoparticles ، manganese ferrite ، polydopamine ، calcium peroxide ، oxygen release ، magnetic resonance imaging ، photothermal therapy