Design of CoM _x Fe_2‑xO₄ (M = Ag, Ru) Nanoparticles with Magnetic Hyperthermic Capabilities for Cancer Treatment

Nobel metal [silver (Ag) or ruthenium (Ru)] substituted cobalt ferrite CoM _x Fe_2‑x O₄ (M = Ag, Ru; x = 0, 0.2, 0.4) nanoparticles were synthesized by the sol-gel method using Moringa oleifera gum as biofuel. Comprehensive structural, magnetic, and morphological characterizations were performed using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The average particle size of CoAg _x Fe_2‑x O₄ and CoRu _x Fe_2‑x O₄ nanoparticles is 30 and 80 nm, respectively. In vitro MTT assay revealed the selective cytotoxicity of the nanohybrids against breast KAIMRC2 and MDAMB231 and colorectal HCT8 and HCT116 cancer cell lines. High-content imaging complemented the MTT results. TEM analysis showcased significant morphological alterations in the intracellular localization of nanoferrites on the KAIMRC2 cell morphology. The synthesized nanoparticles demonstrate enhanced hyperthermic capabilities when exposed to an alternating magnetic field, offering a promising avenue for cancer treatment. The results suggest that the synergistic combination of silver or ruthenium with cobalt ferrite holds significant promise for advancing hyperthermia-based cancer therapies. Hence, these findings offer new insights into the development of effective and targeted treatments for cancer and the evolving landscape of nanomedicine.