Fabrication of a Multifunctional CoFe2O4@BSA@Ag Nanocomposite: A Novel Biocompatible Nanoplatform for Lung Cancer Therapy and Antibacterial Applications.

The design of multifunctional nanomaterials that combine biocompatibility with therapeutic efficacy has garnered significant attention in nanomedicine, particularly in targeting cancer and bacterial infections. In this study, a novel nanocomposite comprising cobalt ferrite nanoparticles coated with bovine serum albumin and silver-modified (CoFe2O4@BSA@Ag) was synthesized via a facile co-precipitation method. The structural, morphological, and magnetic properties were confirmed by using PXRD, FT-IR, UV-vis, transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray, vibrating sample magnetometer, and TGA. An in vitro cytotoxicity assessment of CoFe2O4@BSA@Ag against H1299 lung cancer cells demonstrated enhanced anticancer activity with an IC50 value of 38.28 μg/mL as compared to CoFe2O4@BSA with an IC50 of 58.8 μg/mL. It also showed promising results in inhibiting the migration and colony formation of H1299 cells. Apoptotic analysis revealed a pronounced increase in programmed cell death, reducing viable cells from 97.6% in the control to 25.8% upon treatment with ∼67.3% of cells undergoing apoptosis. Additionally, CoFe2O4@BSA@Ag exhibited superior inhibitory effects, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria. The nanocomposite showed good biocompatibility with minimal hemolysis in human erythrocytes and over 70% viability in HEK-293 cells at higher concentrations relative to H1299 cells. These findings suggest that CoFe2O4@BSA@Ag nanocomposites hold significant promise as a multifunctional, biocompatible agent for potential dual applications in lung cancer therapy and antibacterial treatment.