Magnetic Iron Oxide-Decorated Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanotube Cups for Drug Delivery

Abstract Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube cups (NCNCs) exhibited significant potential as drug carriers owing to their unique cup-shaped and hollow nanostructures. To improve the biocompatibility of individual NCNCs, this study employed a bath sonicator and performed a methodical examination of ultrasonic frequency to optimize oxidation and separation efficiency. The NCNCs were further decorated with iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4-NPs) via a co-precipitation method to impart magnetic property to this NCNC-based composite. The biocompatibility of Fe3O4-NCNCs was further confirmed by exposing the composites to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), triggering the Fenton reaction to achieve degradation. Ultimately, the practicality of Fe3O4-NCNCs as drug delivery carriers was demonstrated by loading the nanocomposites with the ferroptosis inducer RSL3. The in vitro experimental results indicated that the drug-loaded Fe3O4-NCNCs have considerable anti-tumor activity, suggesting Fe3O4-NCNC as a superior drug delivery platform.