Synthesis and Characterization of the Chitosan-Coated Methotrexate-Conjugated Hybrid Magnetic Nanoparticles

In this study, a rapid and alternative magnetic nanoparticle structure was developed for the hyperthermia treatment of cancer, a growing and significant problem. Magnetic nanoparticles hold significant potential in cancer treatment. The most important feature of magnetic nanoparticles is their ability to be targeted to tumor sites by applying an external magnetic field. Furthermore, their small size, high surface area, and the ease of control of their surface structure through surface modification are other important properties. The ability of magnetic nanoparticles to acquire drug-carrying capacity through surface modification provides a significant application advantage. Another feature is that the magnetic field applied to the cancerous area induces hyperthermia, thereby destroying cancer cells. Therefore, the prepared magnetic-core nano cancer drugs exhibit a dual-agent therapeutic effect. In this study, we first synthesized nanosized, magnetically steerable CoFe2O4 nanoparticles. Subsequently, these nanoparticles were surface-modified, and the anti-carcinogenic chemotherapeutic drug methorotaxane was conjugated. In the final phase of the study, chitosan was coated on the surface of the methotrexate-conjugated magnetic nanoparticle to increase biocompatibility. All structures obtained were initially characterized using FTIR and EDX spectroscopy. Furthermore, all CoFe2O4-based structures were morphologically characterized using scanning electron microscopy. This resulted in the creation of a dual-action drug structure that offers both diagnostic, monitoring, and therapeutic potential.