Poly (4-styrenesulfonic acid) modified iron oxide-hydroxyapatite nanocomposite surfaces for effective bone cancer therapy

Abstract

The present work explores poly (4-styrenesulfonic acid) (PSS) modified iron oxide-hydroxyapatite (Fe3O4-HAp) nanocomposite for bone cancer therapy applications. Incorporation of PSS with negatively charged sulfonate functional groups on the surface of Fe3O4-HAp nanocomposite resulted in enhanced stability and biocompatibility. Structural and compositional analyses performed using X-ray Diffraction, Fourier-transform Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy confirmed the successful integration of Fe3O4, HAp and PSS within the nanocomposite framework. The presence of a diffuse halo selected area electron diffraction pattern along with the calculated interplanar spacings further confirmed the composition and incorporation of PSS coating. The presence of PSS polymer enhanced the inherent antibacterial properties of Fe3O4 NPs by improved reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation which disrupted bacterial cell membrane integrity via nanoparticle-cell interactions. MG-63 osteosarcoma cells demonstrated significant cytotoxicity (similar to 78 %) indicating effective anticancer activity while mesenchymal stem cells confirmed excellent cytocompatibility (similar to 94 %) pointing towards excellent bone regeneration capability. Further, PSS@Fe3O4-HAp nanocomposite exhibited antioxidant activity highlighting their ability as effective radical scavengers in protecting normal bone cells. Overall, PSS polymer with sulfonate (-SO3-) groups on the surface of Fe3O4-HAp nanocomposite introduces a prospective platform combining bone regeneration support with targeted cancer therapy for osteosarcoma treatment.