Dual-Functional Nife2o4/C Nanocomposites for Dose-Monitoring, Dose-Enhanced Radiotherapy: Experimental Characterization and Geant4 Validation Publisher



Gorgizadeh M ; Esmaili S ; Khoobi M ; Sattarahmady N ; Aghasizadeh S ; Khoramian D ; Esmailidastjerdipour P
Source: Radiation Physics and Chemistry Published:2026

Abstract

Precision radiotherapy depends on precise dosimetry and tumor-specific local dose enhancement while minimizing off-target effects. This study introduces NiFe2O4/C nanocomposites as a potential bifunctional platform for precision radiotherapy, combining dosimetry with tumor-selective radiosensitization. Systematic characterization demonstrated promising dose-response linearity (R2 = 0.99, within the 0.5-6 Gy range) through radiation-induced UV-Vis spectral shifts (Δλ = 55 nm), with prediction errors below 4% for doses 1-6 Gy. Geant4 simulations quantified energy-dependent enhancement, showing a peak (DEF) of 172% at 20 nm and 100 kVp (dominated by the photoelectric effect), and 67% at 327 nm and 6 MV (optimized for Compton interactions). The nanocomposites also displayed superparamagnetic behavior (Ms = 6.17 emu/g), enabling additional theranostic applications. The carbon matrix uniquely facilitates both functions: generating stable dosimetric defects and enhancing interfacial electron transport for local dose enhancement. These findings address key limitations in current radiotherapy by integrating nanoscale dose enhancement, quantitative dose verification, and imaging compatibility into a single, clinically feasible system, marking a paradigm shift toward personalized theranostic radiation treatment. The results confirm NiFe2O4/C as a promising platform for nano dosimetry and dose-enhanced radiotherapy with built-in self-monitoring capabilities. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd.