Multiple sessions magnetic fluid hyperthermia: a requisite for apoptosis in prostate cancer cells LNCaP

Magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) is emerging as a promising cancer therapeutic modality due to its minimal side effects and targeted approach. This study presents the synthesis and characterization of temperature-sensitive biocompatible MF containing citric acid-coated Mn_0.9Zn_0.1Fe₂O₄nanoparticles, along with<i>in vitro</i>investigations on the prostate cancer cells LNCaP, to demonstrate the potential of these nanoparticles as a hyperthermic agent for MFH. The biocompatibility of MF was assessed using the MTT assay, which demonstrated no cytotoxic effects at concentrations up to 3 mg ml^-1. Furthermore, rapid internalization of nanoparticles into LNCaP prostate cancer cells was observed within 10 min, as determined by a Prussian blue assay and quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Upon exposure to an alternating magnetic field of 10 kA m^-1and 332 kHz frequency, the nanoparticles achieved the therapeutic temperature of 42 °C within 27 min, while sustaining a hyperthermic range of 42 °C-45 °C for one hour. Notably, three MFH treatment sessions were identified as requisite for the elimination of LNCaP cells. Apoptosis was detected using Hoechst-Propidium iodide (PI) staining and further quantified by Annexin-V/PI flow cytometry. These findings underscore the potential of citric acid-coated Mn-Zn ferrite nanoparticles as effective biocompatible agents for MFH-based cancer therapy, warranting further detailed investigations to elucidate their therapeutic efficacy.