Synthesis of Magnetic Copper Ferrite Nanosheet for Highly Efficient ROS generation and Photothermal Cancer Therapy

A primary challenge in preclinical cancer research is developing innovative, adaptable, and effective treatments that prioritise patient safety. This is particularly relevant for investigating nanoplatform-based therapies. This study demonstrates that Magnetic Copper Ferrite Nanosheets (CuFe ₂ O ₄ NS) possess the unique capability to function as both highly effective Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generators and agents for Photothermal Cancer Therapy. CuFe ₂ O ₄ NSs were successfully synthesised using a facile hydrothermal method. The morphological properties of the synthesised CuFe ₂ O ₄ NSs were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX). Notably, the CuFe ₂ O ₄ NSs exhibited enhanced ROS-generating activity at pH 5.0, as evidenced by the results of an in vitro investigation of ROS generation. Culturing HepG2 cancer cells with CuFe ₂ O ₄ NSs resulted in a marked increase in their mortality rate owing to the production of ROS and nuclear fragmentation during photothermal therapy. These results demonstrate the exceptional potential of CuFe ₂ O ₄ NSs as highly effective catalysts for both photothermal therapy (PTT) and ROS production. Furthermore, this study established that CuFe ₂ O ₄ NSs are promising novel platforms for cancer therapy.