Magnesium ferrite nanoparticles, with diameters around 25 nm, were synthesized by coprecipitation method. The magnetic properties indicate a superparamagnetic behaviour, with a maximum magnetization of 16.2 emu g ⁻¹ , a coercive field of 22.1 Oe and a blocking temperature of 183.2 K. These MgFe ₂ O ₄ nanoparticles were used to produce aqueous and solid magnetoliposomes, with sizes below 130 nm. The potential drug curcumin was successfully incorporated in these nanosystems, with high encapsulation efficiencies (above 89%). Interaction by fusion between both types of drug-loaded magnetoliposomes (with or without PEGylation) and models of biological membranes was demonstrated, using FRET or fluorescence quenching assays. These results point to future applications of magnetoliposomes containing MgFe ₂ O ₄ nanoparticles in cancer therapy, allowing combined magnetic hyperthermia and chemotherapy.

Multifunctional nanosystems combining magnetic and plasmonic properties are a promising approach for cancer therapy, allowing magnetic guidance and a local temperature increase. This capability can provide a triggered drug release and synergistic cytotoxic effect in cancer cells. In this work, nickel ferrite/gold nanoparticles were developed, including nickel ferrite magnetic nanoparticles decorated with plasmonic gold nanoparticles and core/shell nanostructures (with a nickel ferrite core and a gold shell). These nanoparticles were covered with a surfactant/lipid bilayer, originating liposome-like structures with diameters below 160 nm. The heating capacity of these systems, upon excitation with light above 600 nm wavelength, was assessed through the emission quenching of rhodamine B located in the lipid layer. The developed nanosystems show promising results for future applications in thermotherapy.

The potential of nanosystems with combined magnetic and plasmonic properties for biomedical applications has been recognized. Magnetic nanoparticles can enable magnetic drug targeting and hyperthermia, while plasmonic gold nanoparticles ensure effective local heating (photothermia) using relatively low energies for gold excitation. Considering cancer therapy, the combination of magnetic and plasmonic capabilities in a single multifunctional nanosystem allows magnetic guidance and production of local heat, the latter promoting triggered drug release and synergistic cytotoxic effect in cancer cells (combined chemo/phototherapy).¹ In this work, magnetic/plasmonic nanoparticles of nickel ferrite/gold were prepared, including core/shell nanoparticles (with a nickel ferrite magnetic core and a gold plasmonic shell) and nickel ferrite nanoparticles decorated with gold nanoparticles. In order to develop applications in combined cancer therapy, the prepared nanoparticles were covered with a lipid bilayer, these systems being able to transport drugs. The heating capabilities of the nanosystems were evaluated through the fluorescence quenching of the dye rhodamine B incorporated in the lipid bilayer upon excitation with a light source. The developed multifunctional nanosystems have shown promising results for application in combined cancer therapy (chemo/phototherapy).