Rombus-shaped α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles for antibacterial and anticancer applications.

Background: The increasing incidence of bacterial infections in cancer patients, combined with the growing limitations of conventional antibiotics such as poor site-specific targeting and antibiotic resistance, necessitates the development of advanced therapeutic strategies.

Methodology: Rhombus-shaped α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized via hydrothermal route and characterized for their structural, optical, and morphological properties. Lymecycline was encapsulated into NPs, and its pH-dependent release was assessed. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the well diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration assay, while anticancer potential was examined using AlamarBlue and cytotoxicity assays against THP-1 cells. Biocompatibility was assessed using normal L-929 fibroblast cells.

Results: The synthesized Fe₂O₃ NPs measured ~80 to 150 nm in length and ~50 nm in width. Lymecycline-loaded NPs demonstrated pH-responsive release, with 60% drug release at pH 5.5 and 43% at pH 7.4. They exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity (72%) against THP-1 cancer cells, while showing good biocompatibility with L-929 normal cells. Additionally, strong antibacterial activity was observed against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Conclusions: Lymecycline-loaded α-Fe₂O₃ NPs exhibited pH-responsive drug release, selective cytotoxicity toward THP-1 cancer cells, strong antibacterial efficacy, and good biocompatibility with normal cells. These findings highlight their dual functionality and potential as a promising nanoplatform for future anticancer and antimicrobial therapies.