Engineering Chitosan-Functionalized Magnetopolymeric Nanoparticles as a Theranostic Platform for MRI-Guided Magnetic Hyperthermia

Abstract

Magnetopolymeric nanocomposites represent promising platforms for advanced nanomedicine due to their ability to combine magnetic responsiveness with polymer-mediated biological functionality. In this study, a hybrid nanocomposite system based on maghemite (Mh), poly(ethyl cyanoacrylate) (PECA), and chitosan (Cs) was developed and systematically characterized for biomedical applications. Mh nanoparticles (NPs) were incorporated as magnetic cores, while PECA acted as a biodegradable polymeric matrix, and chitosan provided surface functionalization and enhanced biocompatibility. The nanocomposites were prepared following anionic polymerization and coacervation methods and characterized in terms of structure particle size, electrokinetics and magnetic responsiveness. The results demonstrated the formation of a nanoscale (core/shell)/shell system with superparamagnetic properties. Importantly, the nanocomposites were evaluated as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, exhibiting significant transverse relaxivity. In vitro cytotoxicity assays demonstrated the absence of significant toxic effects, while ex vivo hemocompatibility studies confirmed their compatibility with blood components. Furthermore, their potential as hyperthermia agents was demonstrated in vitro under the influence of an alternating magnetic field (AMF). Overall, the (core@shell)@shell nanocomposites combined superparamagnetic functionalities with favorable biological properties, supporting their potential use as multifunctional platforms for theranostic applications, including MRI contrast enhancement and magnetically induced hyperthermia.