<i>In-vitro</i> evaluation of <i>in-situ</i> synthesized superparamagnetic iron nanoparticles (SPINs) for magnetic hyperthermia treatment of breast and prostate cancer

Magnetic hyperthermia has emerged as a promising approach in the pursuit of effective cancer therapies; however, its success relies heavily on the development of advanced magnetic nanomaterials. This study introduces a groundbreaking approach of intracellular magnetic hyperthermia using superparamagnetic iron nanoparticles (SPINs) specifically within breast and prostate tumors, laying a crucial foundation for the development of hyperthermia cancer therapy. In contrast to traditional anticancer treatments, our approach leverages the superior tumor retention capabilities of nanoparticles due to their intracellular cell uptake allowing efficient induced localized heating power. We developed a highly controllable synthesis method for iron nanoparticles in carbon matrix, which exhibit efficient localized heat generation by SPINs under applied magnetic field within the clinical limit, with magnetic saturation exceeding 150 emu g^-1, highlighting their potential for hyperthermia therapy. Characterization through scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and vibrating sample magnetometry confirms the spherical-like shape, pure iron phase and high magnetization of the formed nanoparticles. These dispersed nanoparticles demonstrate feasibility for hyperthermia, quantified by the specific absorption rate.<i>In vitro</i>intracellular uptake studies using Du145 prostate and MCF7 breast cancer cell lines indicate efficient nanoparticle tumor cell-uptake. Pre- and post-hyperthermia cell viability assessments show substantial tumor cell death, with nearly 50% reduction post-magnetic field application. These findings highlight the promising potential of these advanced nanoparticles for intracellular targeted cancer therapy, particularly in solid tumors, and suggest significant avenues for further medical research and application.