Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Research Articles

Augmenting Protein Degradation Capacity of PROTAC through Energy Metabolism Regulation and Targeted Drug Delivery.

The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is responsible for degrading over 70-80% of cellular proteins. Consequently, proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are developed to induce the ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of proteins of interest (POIs) by the UPS. To amplify the therapeutic efficacy of PROTACs, energy metabolism regulation is first harnessed to boost UPS function in tumor cells. Proteomic and ubiquitinome analyzes reveal that total ubiquitinated proteins and proteasome activity are significantly increased in 143B and MDA-MB-231 tumor cells following fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) treatment. As a result, the degradation efficiency of PROTACs targeting focal adhesion kinase (FAK-P) or bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4-P) is significantly enhanced in FMD-treated 143B and MDA-MB-231 tumor cells. Then, silica-coated iron oxide nanoparticles are developed modified with tumor cell membranes for targeted delivery of PROTACs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorescence imaging confirm that nanocarriers significantly improve the delivery efficiency of PROTACs in FMD-treated 143B or MDA-MB-231 tumors. In vivo studies demonstrate that the antitumor efficacy of FAK-P and BRD4-P is greatly augmented when combined with targeted delivery and FMD treatment. Overall, this study presents a strategy to enhance the efficacy of PROTACs in cancer therapy.

Magnetic Nanoparticle-Mediated Extraction and Electrochemical Detection of E. coli O157:H7 Genomic DNA

We report a rapid magnetic nanoparticle-mediated protocol to extract and detect DNA of E. coli O157:H7. Bare iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) were used as solid phase support to extract high purity DNA from concentrated and spiked water samples. Electrochemical detection of the DNA is achieved by employing polyaniline-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (PANI-MNPs) which serve as DNA pre-concentrator and transducer. The DNA-based nanobiosensor shows good selectivity and sensitivity (detection limit of 0.10 ng/µL DNA) and offers faster and comparable results relative to conventional methods. This DNA extraction and detection method is expected to be applicable in food, water, and environmental samples.

Evaluation of antibacterial efficacy of iron oxide nanoparticles against Vibrio vulnificus: A comparative study with standard antibiotics

The synthesis and utilization of Fe2O3 nanoparticles are increasing due to their low cost, environmentally friendly, and biocompatible nature. Antimicrobial resistance is noticed as a global health concern by the community. Multidrug therapy and improper treatment of any disease cause an exponential increase in resistant microbial species. Therefore, improving the treatment schemes for curing different types of contagious ailments caused by microbes is essential. An economical co-precipitation technique was utilized for the preparation of Fe2O3 nanoparticles. The Fe2O3 nanostructures were analyzed by FTIR, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, XRD, and TEM techniques. The Fe2O3 nanoparticle's dimensions were determined to be 28.72 nm. A toxicity study of these Fe2O3 nanoparticles was carried out against a Gram-negative bacterium Vibrio vulnificus and showed toxic properties towards the Vibrio vulnificus. The antibacterial properties of these Fe2O3 nanoparticles were contrasted with commonly used antibiotics, including chloramphenicol, streptomycin, ampicillin, penicillin, Tetracycline, sulphatriad, Co-Trimoxazole, Clindamycin, Oxacillin, Erythromycin, and Chloramphenicol, etc., and found to be comparable in some cases even better antibacterial activity.

Effect of mitochondrial oxidative stress on Regulatory T Cell manufacturing for clinical application in transplantation: results from a pilot study

The manufacturing process of Regulatory T (Treg) cells for clinical application begins with the positive selection of CD25+ cells using superparamagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticle (SPION)-conjugated anti-CD25 antibodies (spCD25) and immunomagnetic cell separation technology. Our findings revealed that the interaction of spCD25 with its cell target induced the internalization of the complex spCD25-Interleukin-2 Receptor. Accumulation of intracellular spCD25 triggered oxidative stress, causing delayed Treg expansion and temporary reduction in suppressor activity. This activation delay hindered the efficient generation of clinically competent cells. During this early phase, Treg cells exhibited elevated mitochondrial superoxide and lipid peroxidation levels, with concomitant decrease on mitochondrial respiration rates. The results uncovered the increased mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mitoUPR). This protective, redox-sensitive activity is inherent of Tregs when contrasted with homologous, spCD25-treated, conventional T cells. While the temporary effects of spCD25 on clinically competent cells did not impede their use in a safety/feasibility pilot study with kidney transplant recipients*, it is reasonable to anticipate a potential reduction in their therapeutic efficacy. The mechanistic understanding of the adverse effects triggered by spCD25 is crucial for improving the manufacturing process of clinically competent Treg cells, a pivotal step in the successful implementation of immune cell therapy in transplantation.*Clinical trial registration number NCT03284242 at ClinicalTrials.gov.

Functionalization of Magnetic Beads with Chelating Surfactants for Metal Ions Extraction

Divalent amino acid-based surfactants were utilized in the preparation and functionalization of polystyrene/superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION) beads. These surfactants were derived from aminomalonic acid, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid, all containing two carboxylic groups and differing only in the spacer size between these groups, coupled with a fatty acid moiety, resulting in N-acyl amino acid surfactants. In the process of beads formation, the surfactant played a dual role as a stabilizer and a chelating agent towards the targeted metal. The beads were obtained using an emulsion solvent evaporation method. In this process, an oil-in-water emulsion was formed, containing polystyrene and iron nanoparticles. By concentrating the oil and evaporating it, solid nanoparticles were obtained. The morphology of these particles was characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), while streaming potential measurements were used to determine their charge density. The surfactant's capability to extract divalent ions, specifically Zn2+ and Ni2+, was assessed both in its pure form and when they were attached to the particles. The aspartate-based surfactant showed the best chelating performance for divalent ions, and the combination of surfactant-functionalized particles with magnetic responsiveness led to highly efficient extraction (up to 90%) results. Additionally, the recyclability of the beads was also assessed, highlighting their practical utility.

Eco-toxicological impact of biologically synthesized FeONPs on rice plants and PGP bacteria

Nanoformulations of plant micronutrients can improve nutrient use efficiency and availability in plants compared to conventional fertilizers and, therefore, may prove helpful in addressing the widespread challenge of nutrient deficiency in agricultural soils. In this study, iron-oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) were bio-synthesized using Aspergillus terreus cell-free extract and tested for bio-efficacy in rice (Oryza sativa L., ssp. japonica, T309) in situ. Physicochemical characteristics of biosynthesized FeONPs (B-FeONPs) were analyzed through UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). Bio-efficacy was tested at both environmentally relevant concentrations (0-50 mg.kg−1) as well as supra-environmental concentrations (100 mg.kg−1). Germination, wet and dry biomass, root length, shoot length, chlorophyll and carotenoid content, and iron fortification in rice plants were evaluated under greenhouse conditions. Potential eco-toxic effects of B-FeONPs were investigated in multiple strains of plant growth-promoting (PGP) bacteria. A significant increment in plant growth parameters (p < 0.05), including wet biomass, dry biomass, root length, and chlorophyll and carotenoid content was observed in B-FeONPs treated rice plants as compared to those treated with bulk Fe-fertilizer FeSO4. B-FeONPs caused no oxidative stress and increased the % Fe content in the plants. Uptake and accumulation of the B-FeONPs were also confirmed in the roots and leaves of plants using TEM. The B-FeONPs did not demonstrate bactericidal activity against any of the tested strains of PGP bacteria at both environmentally relevant and supra-environmental concentrations. In conclusion, the data demonstrate that B-FeONPs exhibit significant potential in enhancing nutrient use efficiency and promoting growth in rice plants. These findings underscore the potential of B-FeONPs as sustainable alternatives to conventional Fe fertilizers, offering sustainable solutions for addressing nutrient deficiencies in agricultural soils.

Efficient synthesis of novel phenanthroline-dimedone derivatives using Pd@HQBI-SPION as a versatile palladium-immobilized catalyst

This paper presents the synthesis and application of a novel catalyst for carbon–carbon bond formations, comprising palladium immobilized on 2-(5-hydroxyquinolin-8-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-5-carboxylic acid modified superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Pd@HQBI-SPION). The synthesis involved the attachment of HQBI ligands to SPION using APTES, followed by the immobilization of palladium. Characterization techniques, including FTIR, TEM, and magnetic measurements, confirmed the successful synthesis and structural integrity of Pd@HQBI-SPION. The catalytic activity of Pd@HQBI-SPION was evaluated in various carbon–carbon bond formation reactions, demonstrating high efficiency and reusability. 8 different derivatives bearing several electron withdrawing and electron donating functionalities were used as starting materials and the products were obtained in high isolated yields (75–97%). The catalyst exhibited excellent performance in one-pot synthesis of phenanthroline-dimedone polycyclic derivatives via C-alkylation followed by intramolecular O-alkylation of phenanthroline with dimedone. The products are obtained in high to excellent yields is described. This protocol presents a highly selective synthetic method for the construction of polycyclic aromatic compounds containing nitrogen and oxygen atoms.

Iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized by coprecipitation method: Impacts of zinc doping and surface functionalization by polyvinylpyrrolidone on the magnetic properties and heating efficiency

Iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized by coprecipitation method: Impacts of zinc doping and surface functionalization by polyvinylpyrrolidone on the magnetic properties and heating efficiency

Temperature and Ultrasound-Responsive Nanoassemblies for Enhanced Organ Targeting and Reduced Cardiac Toxicity.

Biocompatible nanocarriers are widely employed as drug-delivery vehicles for treatment. Nevertheless, indiscriminate drug release, insufficient organ-specific targeting, and systemic toxicity hamper nanocarrier effectiveness. Stimuli-responsive nano-sized drug delivery systems (DDS) are an important strategy for enhancing drug delivery efficiency and reducing unexpected drug release. This study introduces a temperature- and ultrasound-responsive nano-DDS in which the copolymer p-(MEO2MA-co-THPMA) is grafted onto mesoporous iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONs) to construct an MPL-p nano-DDS. The copolymer acts as a nanopore gatekeeper, assuming an open conformation at sub-physiological temperatures that allows drug encapsulation and a closed conformation at physiological temperatures that prevents unexpected drug release during circulation. Lactoferrin was conjugated to the nanoparticle surface via polyethylene glycol to gain organ-targeting ability. External ultrasonic irradiation of the nanoparticles in the targeted organs caused a conformational change of the copolymer and reopened the pores, facilitating controlled drug release. MPL-p exhibited excellent biocompatibility and rare drug release in circulation. When targeting delivery to the brain, ultrasound promoted the release of the loaded drugs in the brain without accumulation in other organs, avoiding the related adverse reactions, specifically those affecting the heart. This study established a novel temperature- and ultrasound-responsive DDS that reduced systemic adverse reactions compared with traditional DDS, especially in the heart, and demonstrated excellent organ delivery efficiency.

Influence of annealing temperature on Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles: Synthesis optimization and structural, optical, morphological, and magnetic properties characterization for advanced technological applications

In this study, Iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₂O₃ NPs) were synthesized using iron chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3·6H2O) and ammonia solution through a straightforward co-precipitation method. The nanoparticles were annealed at temperatures of 100 °C, 300 °C, 500 °C, 700 °C, and 900 °C, with one sample left unannealed. Comprehensive analyses were performed using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Zeta potential, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and UV–Vis Spectrophotometry. The XRD patterns confirmed the presence of both Maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) and Hematite (α-Fe2O3) phases, with a phase transition observed between 100 °C and 300 °C, and the most pronounced transition occurring at 500 °C. At this optimal temperature, the crystallite size was 19.14 nm, the average particle size was 37.36 nm, and the band gap energy was measured at 1.76 eV. SEM images revealed that nanoparticles formed clusters as the annealing temperature increased. The zeta potential measurements showed a range from 6.12 mV at 100 °C to −1.9 mV at 900 °C, indicating changes in particle stability. DLS analysis indicated a size increase from 86.81 nm at 300 °C to 1577 nm at 900 °C, reflecting aggregation trends. The reduction in band gap energy with higher temperatures is attributed to enhanced crystallinity and increased particle size. The magnetic properties of Fe₂O₃ NPs were evaluated using a Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS), revealing an increase in magnetic response with rising annealing temperatures. The transition from superparamagnetic γ-Fe₂O₃ to weakly ferromagnetic α-Fe₂O₃ was confirmed through changes in the hysteresis loop area and shape. These findings suggest that 500 °C is the optimal annealing temperature for producing Fe₂O₃ NPs with desirable properties for applications in targeted drug delivery, MRI contrast enhancement, and environmental remediation. This research advances the engineering of Fe₂O₃ NPs, paving the way for their use in various technological applications.

Construction of iron oxide nanoparticles modified with Angelica sinensis polysaccharide for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia

Construction of iron oxide nanoparticles modified with Angelica sinensis polysaccharide for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia

Correlative Multi-Scale Characterization of Nanoparticles Using Transmission Electron Microscopy

Chemical and physical properties of nanoparticles (NPs) are strongly influenced not only by the crystal structure of the respective material, including crystal structure defects but also by the NP size and shape. Contemporary transmission electron microscopy (TEM) can describe all these NP characteristics, however typically with a different statistical relevance. While the size and shape of NPs are frequently determined on a large ensemble of NPs and thus with good statistics, the characteristics on the atomic scale are usually quantified for a small number of individual NPs and thus with low statistical relevance. In this contribution, we present a TEM-based characterization technique, which can determine relevant characteristics of NPs in a scale-bridging way—from the crystal structure and crystal structure defects up to the NP size and morphology—with sufficient statistical relevance. This technique is based on a correlative multi-scale TEM approach that combines information on atomic scale obtained from the high-resolution imaging with the results of the low-resolution imaging assisted by a semi-automatic segmentation routine. The capability of the technique is illustrated in several examples, including Au NPs with different shapes, Au nanorods with different facet configurations, and multi-core iron oxide nanoparticles with a hierarchical structure.

A Multifunctional Exosome with Dual Homeostasis Disruption Augments cGAS-STING-Mediated Tumor Immunotherapy by Boosting Ferroptosis.

Ferroptosis has shown great potential in activating antitumor immunity. However, the cunning tumor cells can evade ferroptosis by increasing the efflux of iron and promoting the production of the reductant glutathione to mitigate oxidative stress. Herein, a multifunctional exosome loaded with manganese-doped iron oxide nanoparticles (MnIO), GW4869, and l-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) is developed to disrupt the iron metabolism homeostasis and redox homeostasis to enhance tumor immunotherapy. The efficient transport of MnIO by exosomes and the inhibition of iron exocytosis by GW4869 led to a high retention of up to 29.57% ID/g for iron in the tumors. Such a high retention of iron, in combination with the BSO-induced disruption of the redox homeostasis, effectively promotes the ferroptosis of tumor cells. Consequently, the multifunctional exosomes that noticeably enhance ferroptosis by dual homeostasis disruption provoke the cGAS-STING-based antitumor immune response and effectively suppress tumor growth and lung metastasis in orthotopic breast cancer.

Efficient and regenerative phosphate removal from wastewater using stable magnetite/magnesium iron oxide nanocomposites

Using magnetite-based nanocomposite adsorbents to remove and recycle phosphate from wastewater is crucial for controlling eutrophication and ensuring the sustainable use of phosphorus resources. However, the weak structural stability between magnetite and adsorptive nanoparticles often reduces phosphate removal efficiency in real-world applications. This instability primarily results from the loss of adsorptive nanoparticles from the magnetite surfaces, particularly when metal oxide nanoparticles are used for phosphate removal and recycling. In this study, we present a top-down approach that involves lattice locking magnesium iron oxide nanoparticles to the magnetite core, preventing magnesium loss from the magnetite surfaces. These nanocomposites exhibit exceptional performance in both phosphate recycling and removal, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 101.8 mg P·g−1. Excellent adsorption performance is also observed even in the presence of competing anions at phosphate-to-competing ion molar ratios of 1:5, 1:25, and 1:100, as well as dissolved organic matter, across a broad pH range of 4–10. The adsorbent also demonstrated minimal magnesium release during regeneration and in acidic conditions. Microscopic and spectroscopic analyses reveal that surface precipitation is the primary mechanism of phosphate removal in the magnesium-containing shells. The findings of this study address the current limitations of magnetite nanocomposites in phosphate removal, paving the way for the development of highly stable and sustainable nanocomposites for various chemical removal and recycling applications in wastewater treatment.

Magnetic targeting enhances the neuroprotective function of human mesenchymal stem cell-derived iron oxide exosomes by delivering miR-1228-5p

BackgroundTreating mitochondrial dysfunction is a promising approach for the treatment of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). HuMSC-derived exosomes (H-Ex) have shown powerful therapeutic effects in improving mitochondrial function, but the specific effects are unclear and its brain tissue targeting needs to be further optimized.ResultsIn this study, we found that H-Ex can improve mitochondrial dysfunction of neurons and significantly enhance the cognitive behavior performance of MCAO mice in OGD/R-induced SHSY5Y cells and MCAO mouse models. Based on this, we have developed an exosome delivery system loaded with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Spion-Ex) that can effectively penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The research results showed that under magnetic attraction, Spion-Ex can more effectively target the brain tissue and significantly improve mitochondrial function of neurons after stroke. Meanwhile, we further confirmed that miR-1228-5p is a key factor for H-Ex to improve mitochondrial function and cognitive behavior both in vivo and in vitro. The specific mechanism is that the increase of miR-1228-5p mediated by H-Ex can inhibit the expression of TRAF6 and activate the TRAF6-NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1) pathway, thereby exerting protective effects against oxidative damage. More importantly, we found that under magnetic attraction, Spion-Ex exhibited excellent cognitive improvement effects by delivering miR-1228-5p.ConclusionsOur research found that H-Ex has a good therapeutic effect on PSCI by increasing the expression of miR-1228-5p in PSCI, while H-Ex loaded with Spion-Ex exhibited more excellent effects on improving mitochondrial function and cognitive impairment under magnetic attraction, which can be used as a novel strategy for the treatment of PSCI.

The synergistic effects on the magnetic CoNi and Fe3O4 nanoparticles co-embedded porous carbon toward enhanced microwave absorbing performance

Abstract Lightweight and environmentally friendly three-dimensional biomass-derived porous carbon (3D BPC) holds great potential as a highly effective material for microwave absorption (MA) applications. However, the high complex permittivity and lack of magnetic loss in a single 3D BPC lead to impedance mismatching and a limited absorption bandwidth. Developing 3D BPC–based absorbers with multiple loss mechanisms and excellent impedance matching remains a notable yet challenging task. In this study, inspired by a synergistic composition and microstructure design, 3D BPC co-embedded with magnetic cobalt–nickel (CoNi) and iron(III) oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (3D BPC@CoNi@Fe3O4) was developed. 3D BPC@CoNi@Fe3O4 exhibited consistently low complex permittivity, primarily due to the suppression of conductive loss, whereas the introduction of magnetic phases (CoNi and Fe3O4) enhanced the magnetic loss. Optimised impedance matching, achieved through the synergistic regulation of the electromagnetic parameters, emerged as the key mechanism for improving the MA properties. The as-synthesised 3D BPC@CoNi@Fe3O4 composite, with only 20 wt.% loading demonstrated a wide effective absorption bandwidth (reflection loss [RL] &lt; −10 dB) of 6.08 GHz and an impressive minimum RL value of −40.08 dB. These findings offer valuable insights into the development of high-performance 3D BPC–based microwave absorbers through composition and microstructure optimisation.

Biosorption of cobalt and chromium from wastewater using manganese dioxide and iron oxide nanoparticles loaded on cellulose-based biochar: Modeling and optimization with machine learning (artificial neural network)

In this study, two nanomaterials with excellent adsorption capacities were developed to remove heavy metals efficiently from wastewater. Manganese dioxide MnO2 nanoparticles and iron oxide Fe2O3 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using cassava peel carbon and characterized by different techniques. The experimental tests for the adsorption process were done in a batch system, and the influence of various parameters such as temperature (from 5 to 60 °C), initial concentration (from 10 to 60 mg/L), pH (2 to 8), and contact time (5 to 180 min) on the biosorption of cobalt (II) and chromium (VI) were fully investigated. Furthermore, the Qmax were 546.32 mg/g and 349.59 mg/g for chromium (VI) and cobalt (II) respectively. The results fitted Langmuir with the pseudo-second-order model, revealing that chemisorption controls heavy metals removal, while the thermodynamic sorption was an endothermic and spontaneous reaction. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model was developed to predict as well as to simulate the experimental results, for this purpose, the proposed model was based on five independent inputs or variables and one output or response which is the predicted adsorbed amount, the proposed ANN model showed an appreciable prediction accuracy with high optimization ability for chromium (VI) and cobalt (II) removal.

Structure and Magnetic Properties of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Subjected to Mechanical Treatment

Iron oxide nanoparticles have been fabricated using the electric wire explosion (EWE) technique. The structure and magnetic properties of the nanoparticles have been analyzed before and after mechanical grinding in a ball mill for different time periods, focusing on potential bioapplications. The phase composition of the nanoparticles (70% Fe3O4, 30% Fe2O3) has remained unchanged despite the mechanical effects. The average nanoparticle size has not been affected either. The observation of the Verwey transition in the studied nanoparticles, along with the structural data, provides a better understanding of the physical properties of EWE ensembles of nanoparticles in different states. The analysis of the structure and magnetic properties reveals the development of a material with a high level of internal stress. This finding may be of interest for bioapplications due to its potential impact on the material performance.

Ce-Doped Iron Oxide Anticorrosive Coatings: Effect of c(Ce4+):c(Fe3+) Ratio on Structure, Morphology, and Coating Anticorrosion Performance

Utilizing hydrothermal methods, Ce-doped iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized from precursor solutions under different c(Ce4:c(Fe3+) precursor solutions. The effects of the c(Ce4+):c(Fe3+) ratio in the precursor solutions on the nanoparticle morphology and nanoparticle structure of the Ce-doped iron oxide were investigated using X-Ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to examine the bond energy strength of the Ce-doped iron oxide nanoparticles. The electrochemical properties of the Ce-doped iron oxide nanoparticles were tested using an electrochemical workstation and a saltwater immersion resistance test. The corrosion resistance of Ce-doped iron oxide coatings at different c(Ce4+):c(Fe3+) ratios was systematically analyzed, uncovering corrosion resistance mechanisms and self-healing capabilities. The results show that as the c(Ce4+):c(Fe3+) ratio decreases, the lattice constants of the samples increase along with the average grain size. Both smaller and larger c(Ce4+):c(Fe3+) ratios are detrimental to lattice distortion in α-Fe2O3. The reduced number of valence electrons provided by cerium ions in Ce-doped iron oxide hinders the generation of holes and exerts a minor influence on the crystal band structure, leading to weaker electrochemical stability. The Ce-doped iron oxide coating prepared at a c(Ce4+):c(Fe3+) ratio of 1:60 readily generates a higher number of reactive hydroxyl radicals during corrosion, thus exhibiting enhanced self-healing capabilities and corrosion resistance.

Evaluating the Photocatalytic Activity of Green Synthesized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Water pollution from dyes is a major environmental challenge, demanding advanced materials for efficient degradation. In this study, we synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) using an aqueous extract of Senegalia catechu leaves and evaluated their photocatalytic activity in methylene blue (MB) dye degradation under sunlight irradiation. The IONPs were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). XRD pattern showed a highly crystalline structure with an average crystallite size of 34.7 nm, while SEM images revealed predominantly spherical particles with uneven surface texture. Photocatalytic efficiency exceeded 80% MB dye degradation after 120 min of sunlight exposure. Optimization of catalyst dose, pH, dye concentration, and other parameters is essential for maximizing degradation efficiency. The IONPs demonstrated reusability over four degradation cycles, retaining effective photocatalytic performance. This study underscores the potential of green-synthesized IONPs as eco-friendly photocatalysts for wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.