Antitumor efficacy of cobalt–zinc ferrite nanoparticles on MCF-7 cell line and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma bearing mice

Abstract Cobalt–zinc ferrite nanoparticles (Co 1−x Zn x Fe 2 O 4 ; x = 0, 0.35) were synthesized using a flash-combustion method and characterized by FTIR and SEM to evaluate their structural and surface properties. This study investigated the in vitro and in vivo antitumor efficacy of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CF NPs). In vitro, human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) were used to determine cytotoxicity (IC 50 ), apoptosis, and cell cycle effects. The IC 50 of CF NPs was 144 µg/mL. Treatment with 1/10 IC 50 increased necrotic, early apoptotic, and late apoptotic cell populations to 7.2%, 9.5%, and 12.6%, respectively. CF NPs arrested the cell cycle at sub-G1 and G2/M phases, while IC 50 of cisplatin was 11.25 µg/mL. Treatment with1/10 IC 50 arrested the cell cycle at S and G2/M phases. For in vivo analysis, forty female albino mice (CD-1) were divided into four groups. Tumor induction was performed using Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells (1 × 10 6 /mouse). After 24 h, mice received either cisplatin (2 mg/kg) or CF NPs (150 mg/kg; 1/10 LD 50 ). After 14 days, CF NP treatment significantly reduced body weight gain, tumor volume (44%), tumor cell count (28%), and viable tumor cells (30%). Additionally, CF NPs improved hematological parameters, liver and kidney function, and restored normal histological architecture of hepatic and renal tissues. CF NPs exhibit significant antitumor activity both in vitro and in vivo by inducing apoptosis, suppressing tumor growth, and improving biochemical and histopathological parameters, supporting their potential as a promising adjunct in cancer nanotherapy.