Liposome-Based Codelivery of AgFe₂O₄/TiO₂ and Paclitaxel for Enhanced Breast Cancer Photothermal Chemotherapy

Silver ferrite (AgFe2O4), a ferrite material with abundant oxygen vacancies, exhibits near-infrared (NIR) sensitivity in the tumor microenvironment and activates reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. A titanium dioxide (TiO2) coating further enhances the oxygen vacancy concentration and material stability. However, ferrite-based nanomaterials face challenges in biological systems due to their inherent instability and susceptibility to degradation. In this study, we developed an AgFe2O4/TiO2 and paclitaxel (PTX) nanoplatform codelivery system based on ginsenoside Rh2 liposomes. Ginsenoside Rh2 replaces cholesterol encapsulated in the lipid nanoparticles to enhance the stability of the photosensitizer AgFe2O4/TiO2 and improve the therapeutic efficacy of PTX, thereby promoting pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. The preparation, having a hydrodynamic diameter of 144 nm, can inhibit the migration of breast cancer cells, stimulate the production of ROS, induce cell apoptosis, and has significant cytotoxicity. Pharmacological studies confirmed that Rh2 codelivery with AgFe2O4/TiO2 and PTX showed strong targeting ability, and combined with light exposure to reach the hyperthermia threshold rapidly, significantly inhibited breast cancer proliferation by 83% (P < 0.05). This drug delivery system integrates ginsenoside Rh2 liposome, photothermal therapy, and targeted chemotherapy, offering a promising combined strategy for photothermal and chemotherapy in cancer treatment.