Preparation, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of the anticancer activity of Ce3+ doped CuFe2O4 spinel nanoparticles in MCF-7 cell lines

Abstract

In the present study, we successfully prepared nanoparticles of Ce-doped Copper ferrite, CuCexFe2-xO4(x = 0.00, 0.03, and 0.05), in the nanoscale using the chemical co-precipitation technique. The structure, composition, optical properties, and morphological information of the obtained ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) were analyzed by making use of powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) pattern, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopic (FE-SEM) studies, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic (FT-IR) analysis, and Energy-dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and the UV–Vis-NIR Spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity of CuCexFe2-xO4 nanoparticles (NPs) on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line was evaluated using the MTT assay. The NPs exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity, with lower concentrations (<25 µg/mL) being safe and biocompatible, while higher concentrations reduced cell viability and disrupted L929 fibroblast cell lines. Double staining and flow cytometry experiments revealed that apoptosis is one of the mechanisms by which CuCexFe2-xO4 NPs induce cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cells. An increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) was found in the presence NPs. To harness the full potential of this nanoparticle formulation, it is recommended that future investigations encompass a wide range of in vitro and in vivo models. These subsequent studies will significantly contribute to the expanding body of knowledge concerning the synthesis of composite nanoparticle formulations for use as anticancer agents.