Preparation of a Nanosized As₂O₃/Mn_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ Complex and Its Anti-Tumor Effect on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Abstract: Manganese-zinc-ferrite nanoparticles (Mn_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄, MZF-NPs) prepared by an improved co-precipitation method and were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). Then thermodynamic testing of various doses of MZF-NPs was performed in vitro. The cytotoxicity of the Mn_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanoparticles in vitro was tested by the MTT assay. A nanosized As₂O₃/Mn_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ complex was made by an impregnation process. The complex’s shape, component, envelop rate and release rate of As₂O₃ were measured by SEM, EDS and atom fluorescence spectrometry, respectively. The therapeutic effect of nanosized As₂O₃/Mn_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ complex combined with magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) on human hepatocelluar cells were evaluated in vitro by an MTT assay and flow cytometry. The results indicated that Mn_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ and nanosized As₂O₃/Mn_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ complex were both prepared successfully. The Mn_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanoparticles had powerful absorption capabilities in a high-frequency alternating electromagnetic field, and had strong magnetic responsiveness. Moreover, Mn_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ didn’t show cytotoxicity in vitro. The therapeutic result reveals that the nanosized As₂O₃/Mn_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ complex can significantly inhibit the growth of hepatoma carcinoma cells.