Humics-Functionalized Iron(III) Oxyhydroxides as Promising Nanoferrotherapeutics: Synthesis, Characterization, and
Anastasiya M Zhirkova1, Maria V Zykova2, Evgeny E Buyko2
1Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye Gory 1-3, Moscow 119991, Russia.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 26, 2025
Summary
Humic substances create safer, effective nanoferrotherapeutics for iron deficiency anemia. These novel iron complexes show superior bioavailability and reduced toxicity compared to current treatments.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a significant global health concern.
- Current iron therapies can exhibit considerable toxicity.
- There is a need for safer and more effective iron delivery systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel nanoferrotherapeutics using humic substances (HS) as natural macroligands.
- To synthesize and characterize iron(III) oxyhydroxide nanocomposites stabilized by HS.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of these HS-Fe(III) formulations for iron delivery.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of HS-Fe(III) nanocomposites using varied solvents and precipitation techniques.
- Comprehensive characterization via ICP-AES, TOC, XRD, TEM, and Mössbauer spectroscopy.
- Assessment of cytotoxicity and iron bioavailability in Caco-2 intestinal cells.
Main Results:
- HS and precipitation conditions influenced nanocomposite properties, forming 1-2 nm spherical nanoparticles (ferrihydrite/goethite).
- Solvent-driven fractionation optimized nanoparticle size, crystallinity, and composition.
- All HS-Fe(III) formulations exhibited excellent cytocompatibility, unlike Ferrum Lek®.
- Several formulations, like CHSFe-Et67, demonstrated superior cellular iron uptake efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Humic substances provide a promising, biocompatible platform for advanced nanoferrotherapeutics.
- HS-based iron delivery systems offer enhanced bioavailability and reduced toxicity.
- This approach represents a significant advancement in treating iron deficiency anemia safely and effectively.
