Dimension-Driven Biointerface and Magnetic Behaviors of Hydrothermally Synthesized Cubic Vs. Spherical Magnetic Nanoparticles Publisher



Shahriari MH ; Salmani H ; Salehi Z ; Akrami M ; Mohammadi S
Source: Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects Published:2026

Abstract

The application of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for theranostic applications remains hindered by insufficient understanding of how particle size and morphology governs nano-bio interface interactions, particularly protein corona formation, hemocompatibility, ceulular uptake, and magnetic performance. While particle size and surface chemistry effects have been studied, systematic correlations between dimensional properties (size and shape), biointerface behavior, and imaging efficiency are lacking, creating a critical knowledge gap in rational nanoparticle design. This study presents a comprehensive investigation of morphology- and size-dependent properties of MNPs for tailored biomedical applications. Four distinct formulations with controlled spherical (F1, F2) and cubic (F3, F4) morphologies were synthesized via hydrothermal method using different iron precursors, yielding particles ranging from 51.33 to 210.37 nm. Multi-parameter correlation analysis integrating Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and biointerface assessments (protein corona, hemolysis, HET-CAM assay, and cellular uptake) was performed to establish structure-property relationships. FTIR analysis revealed morphology-specific spectroscopic signatures with characteristic Fe–O stretching vibration shifts in cubic formations. Magnetic characterization demonstrated superior performance for cubic formulation F3 with exceptional saturation magnetization (Ms = 44.8 emu/g) and MRI relaxivity (r₂ = 73.2 mM⁻¹s⁻¹), while cubic F4 exhibited superparamagnetic behavior (Hc = 5.8 Oe) suitable for targeted delivery applications. VSM results showed direct correlation between particle geometry and magnetic response, with cubic morphologies outperforming spherical counterparts. Biointerface studies revealed morphology-dependent protein corona formation and hemocompatibility profiles, where cubic formulations demonstrated reduced hemolytic activity and irritation scores compared to spherical particles. Spherical F1 showed elevated hemolytic profile (11.9 %) and the highest irritation score of 7.36 and this could be attributed to the spherical geometry and smaller sizes which gives them more surface to volume reatio. The enhanced hemolytic activity and irritation score of F1 directly corolate with their highest cellular internalization of 73.07, while F2 provided balanced magnetic response with acceptable biocompatibility. Systematic comparison across size- and shape-matched pairs establishes that cubic geometry enhances imaging capabilities and stealth properties, while larger dimensions improve magnetic performance, providing rational design principles for optimized theranostic applications. Copyright © 2026. Published by Elsevier B.V.