Magnetic hyperthermic and anticancer properties of hydrothermally synthesized magnetic nanoparticles using Gypsophila arrostii

The purpose of this research was to synthesize and characterize saponin-modified iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) using a Gypsophila arrostii aqueous extract, known for its high saponin content with anticancer potential. MNPs were synthesized using hydrothermal production (MNP1) and green synthesis (MNP2 and MNP3) conditions and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Characterization results showed that crystalline and spherical MNPs functionalized with plant-derived saponins were successfully produced, and saponins in the extract played an essential role in the stabilization and capping of MNPs. MNP3 showed the most uniform morphology, and MNP1 stood out as the variant with the best thermal properties under a magnetic field (>40 degrees C). The cytotoxic effect of saponin-modified MNPs was evaluated on lung cancer cells (A549) and healthy lung cells (Beas-2b). MNP1 and MNP3 significantly inhibited proliferation in A549 cells, while high viability was maintained in Beas-2b cells, especially at 40 mu g/ml. Furthermore, the combination of MNP1 with magnetic hyperthermia (>38 degrees C) caused a significant increase in apoptosis in cancer cells (>20 %). These findings indicate that saponin-coated MNPs obtained by hydrothermal synthesis are promising agents for targeted and biocompatible cancer therapies.