Cancer, as the leading cause of death worldwide, has been constantly increasing in mortality every year. Among several therapeutics, nanoscale compounds showed promising results in overcoming cancer diseases. There are numerous types of research on the paramagnetic nanoparticles of iron oxide, which cause apoptosis and cancer cell death. In this study, cobalt/zinc/ferrite nanoferrofluid composites (~ 39 nm) were synthesized and decorated with chitosan to enhance the cell entry for potential applications in cancer therapy. The neat and chitosan-adorned cobalt zinc ferrite nanoferrofluid composites (~ 94 nm) displayed superparamagnetic properties. The nanocomposite exhibited anti-cancer activity against WEHI164 cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The chitosan-coated nanocomposite was found to induce oxidative stress in WEHI164 cancer cells, as indicated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Furthermore, DNA damage was indicated in WEHI164 cancer cells after exposure to chitosan-coated nanocomposites. Chitosan-coated nanocomposites promoted dendritic cell maturation by inducing the release of interleukin-6 proinflammatory cytokines. According to the results and ancillary studies, superparamagnetic nanoparticles coated with chitosan can be considered an effective and promising treatment for the destruction of cancer cells.

Graphical Abstract

Summary: Chitosan decorated cobalt zinc ferrite nanoferrofluid composites was fabricated for potential cancer hyperthermia therapy with high biocompatibility.