Phytochemicals-Loaded Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Induce Cytotoxicity and Stimulate Apoptosis in MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells.

The present study aimed to synthesize iron oxide nanoparticles loaded with quinine and alkaloids-rich (Peruvian bark) stem bark extract, and further evaluate their cytotoxic effect and apoptosis mechanisms in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Nanoparticles were prepared by biological reduction of iron oxide with extract, using the green synthesis method. The nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, and UV-vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).