Rapid green-assisted synthesis and functionalization of superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles using Sumac extract and assessment of their cellular toxicity, uptake, and anti-metastasis property

Abstract

Modifying the surface properties of superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles (SPMNPs) is essential for their stabilization and functionalization in biomedical applications. This study explored the use of Sumac (Rhus coriaria) plant extract as a green stabilizer for SPMNPs. Herein, we fabricated the aqueous colloidal suspension of SPMNPs via a facile and rapid green-assisted co-precipitation method using the extract solution as a green stabilizer (SS), the results were then compared to the uncoated SPMNPs (SB). Physicochemical properties of the as-synthesized NPs were characterized. The XRD planes of both samples matched the typical Fe3O4 NPs with a high degree of crystallinity. FESEM and TEM revealed that SS were spherical and mono-dispersed with an average particle size of 11 nm, while the average particle size of SB was measured to be around 9.9 nm. The elemental compositions of the SS were approved by the EDX technique. FTIR and TGA results confirmed the presence of functional groups in the extract components and their interactions with SPMNPs. Based on the DLS analysis, Sumac extracts significantly prolonged the stability and increased the zeta potential value of the SPMNPs nanofluid from −28.2 to −44.8 mV. The magnetization (Ms) values of SB and SS samples were found to be 62.95 emu/g and 139.56 emu/g, respectively. VSM results pointed out that Sumac extracts dramatically enhanced the saturation magnetization of the coated SPMNPs. In vitro cytotoxicity and scratch assays of the SS against MCF-7 cells indicated the non-toxicity, proliferation modulation, and growth inhibition abilities (anti-metastatic properties) of the modified NPs. In addition, the cellular uptake assessment of SS on the MCF-7 cancer cell line revealed a dose-dependent internalization. Our findings implied that this hydrophilic, highly magnetic, stable, and biocompatible SS is probably capable of being used in a wide range of biomedical applications such as MRI, magnetic hyperthermia, and cancer treatment.