Development of Folic Acid-Conjugated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Loaded with Doxorubicin via Arc Discharge: A Novel Approach for Synergistic Photothermal-Chemotherapy of Cancer Using Bacterial Cellulose-Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogel

Abstract The design of multifunctional nanomaterials that combine chemotherapy with photothermal therapy (PTT) has emerged as a promising strategy to overcome the limitations of conventional cancer treatments. Here, we report the fabrication of a novel therapeutic hydrogel system composed of Folic Acid-functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles (IO NPs) synthesized via an arc-discharge method, loaded with doxorubicin (DOX), and embedded within a bacterial cellulose/polyvinyl alcohol (BC/PVA) matrix. The arc-discharge technique produced crystalline FeNPs with high purity and narrow size distribution. Folic acid conjugation enabled tumor-targeted delivery, while DOX was efficiently incorporated via electrostatic and π–π stacking interactions. Embedding in the BC/PVA hydrogel facilitated sustained drug release and improved biocompatibility. Structural and functional characterization was conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–Vis spectroscopy, magnetization studies, swelling and rheological analysis, and photothermal heating experiments. In vitro cancer cell studies demonstrated enhanced therapeutic efficacy of the hydrogel system under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation, where synergistic chemo-photothermal effects resulted in significant reduction in cell viability compared to single-mode treatments. This study highlights a multifunctional nanoplatform that integrates targeted delivery, controlled release, and dual therapeutic modalities for effective cancer treatment. Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.