Manganese Ferrite (MnFe₂O₄) based Magnetic Nano-Cluster for T₂ Weighted 3T MR Imaging in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Abstract

In this study, sought to develop Manganese Ferrite (MnFe₂O₄) based Magnetic Nano-cluster (MNC) for specifically designed for the detection of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) through the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The MnFe2O4 based MNC were synthesized utilizing a thermal decomposition method, which allowed for precise control over their structural properties. Following synthesis, the average size of the MNC was measured to be 69 ± 27.4 ㎚, a dimension that is optimal for effective imaging and cellular interactions. To evaluate the biocompatibility of the synthesized MNC, we conducted a series of cytotoxicity tests. These tests revealed that cellular viability remained above 82 % across all treatment concentrations, indicating that the MNC exhibit minimal cytotoxic effects even after intravenous injection. This finding is particularly significant as it underscores the potential safety of using MNC for in vivo applications. Subsequently, the MNC were administered intravenously into the tail vein of nude mice, and MRI imaging was performed at various time intervals to monitor their distribution and behavior within the biological system. The results demonstrated a notable enhancement of contrast in the imaging of the xenograft mouse model, which utilized MNC for visualization. This enhancement is indicative of the MNC’s efficacy in highlighting tumor sites, thus facilitating improved diagnostic capabilities. The implications of these findings are substantial, as they not only contribute to the advancement of imaging technologies but also pave the way for future clinical applications of MNC in oncology. We anticipate that these results will serve as a valuable foundation for ongoing research and development, ultimately leading to the establishment of MNC as a reliable diagnostic tool for patients diagnosed with TNBC, a particularly aggressive and challenging subtype of breast cancer.