Morphological and nanomechanical insights into the selective targeting of breast cancer cells by novel nickel ferrite nanoparticles

Nickel Ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) have great potential for biomedical applications. These spinel ferrites exhibit unique physicochemical, magnetic and biocompatible properties that enable them to interact with biological cells. We report the use of immunofluorescence microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in liquid to study their anticancer activity on live cells. Magnetic NPs were synthesized using novel solvothermal and hydrothermal routes, yielding sizes distributions centered at 8.6 ± 1.5 nm and 37.4 ± 1.5 nm, respectively. Their effect on the MCF-7 human breast cancer cells and the non-tumorigenic epithelial MCF-10 cell line was examined by monitoring morphological and nanomechanical responses using AFM. Complementary immunofluorescence microscopy observations and cell viability assays provided broader insights into their biological effects on a larger cell culture. Nickel ferrite NPs significantly altered nanomechanical properties and reduced viability of MCF-7 cancer cells. In contrast, they had minimal effect on healthy MCF-10 cells, as confirmed by AFM (cell height, RMS, and Young's modulus), immunofluorescence, and viability assays. Together, these results highlight a selective anticancer activity of these novel nickel ferrite NPs, supporting their potential as a sustainable and biocompatible alternative to conventional anticancer drugs.