This study aims at tuning the properties of the nanoparticles by incorporating neodymium, exploring the sustained release of drug, and the anticancer activity on breast cancer cells. The crystal characteristics of NdCuS2 nanoparticles are analysed using X-ray diffraction. The morphology and size of the nanoparticles were characterised using Transmission Electron Microscope and particle size analyser. The rate of release of the encapsulated camptothecin and anticancer effects on breast cancer cells are investigated. The nanoparticles are rod-shaped, 132 ± 8 nm long and 27 ± 7 nm wide. The band gap of the nanoparticles is 4.85 eV. The drug encapsulation efficiency is 94.76% (w/w). The drug is released in a sustained manner, over a period of 180 h. The cytotoxicity of the camptothecin-loaded NPs is examined on MDA-MB-231 cells and the IC50 is 4.39 µg mL-1. The NdCuS2 nanoparticles are promising as theranostic agents considering their material characteristics and anticancer activity.
Keywords: NIR absorption; Neodymium; copper sulphide; drug delivery; magnetic nanoparticles.