Polyol-assisted chitosan-coated MnFe2O4 nanoparticles: assessing magneto-hyperthermia efficacy and toxicological effects on Garra mcclellandi fish†

Mn-ferrite and chitosan (CTS)-coated Mn-ferrite nanomaterials were synthesized using the polyol method with ethylene glycol as a reducing and stabilizing agent. This approach provided precise control over particle size, yielding Mn-ferrite (∼10 nm) and CTS-coated Mn-ferrite (∼15 nm) nanoparticles. SEM analysis confirmed a uniform spherical morphology for Mn-ferrite, while CTS coating introduced a rough surface texture. SQUID studies revealed a saturation magnetization (M_s) of 42.18 emu g⁻¹ at 300 K, with negligible reduction upon CTS coating. The hyperthermia efficiency was assessed by varying the AC magnetic field (300–400 A) and material concentration (1–5 mg mL⁻¹). At 335.2 Oe and 1 mg mL⁻¹, Mn-ferrite and CTS-coated Mn-ferrite exhibited specific loss power (SLP) values of 223.47 W g⁻¹ and 209.05 W g⁻¹, respectively. Cytotoxicity studies on Garra mcclellandi fish demonstrated that both materials were non-toxic, with no structural damage observed in vital organs at 25 and 50 mg L⁻¹ dosages. The study successfully demonstrated the synthesis of biocompatible, ferromagnetic nanomaterials with superior heating capabilities. These results suggest that CTS-coated Mn-ferrite nanoparticles are promising candidates for magneto-hyperthermia treatment (MTH), offering a balance of magnetic efficiency and biocompatibility.