Extraction, LC-QTOF-MS profiling of bacterial menaquinone (MK) and characterization of CuFe2O4 nanoparticles loaded MK: potential anti-cancer via gene expression

Ferrite nanoparticles (FNPs), especially copper ferrite nanoparticles (CuFe₂O₄ NPs), are a promising platform in nanomedicine for targeted cancer treatment. Consequently, unique CuFe₂O₄ NPs were functionalized with a bioactive extract derived from Salinicoccus sp. RM1, a halophilic bacterial strain obtained from the Red Sea. The bacterial extract, abundant in menaquinone (MK) homologs (MK-4 to MK-13) as verified by LC-QTOF-MS, used as an excellent functionalizing agent to produced MK-loaded nanoparticles (CuFe₂O₄ NPs-MK). Prepared NPs were analyzed using XRD, FT-IR, SEM, EDX, particle size analysis and magnetic susceptibility analysis, confirming the effective production and functionalization of the NPs. CuFe₂O₄ NPs modified with MK exhibited significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells, yielding an IC₅₀ of 48.94 µg/ml and a notable 45% reduction in BCL-2 expression, while BAX expression experienced a marginal 3.4% rise. This study demonstrates its strength in innovative design and comprehensive characterization of a novel anti-cancer nanocomposite (CuFe₂O₄ NPs-MK), utilizing sustainably sourced marine MKs to induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells by modulating the BAX/BCL-2 gene ratio.