L-Carnitine Functionalized Iron oxide (LC@Fe₃O₄) Nanocomposites: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications in Antibacterial and Anticancer

In this study, a multifunctional nanocomposite was prepared by integrating core–shell structured Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles with a layer of L-carnitine (LC), designed to improve biocompatibility, magnetic responsiveness, and antibacterial activity for biomedical use. FTIR analysis confirmed successful pairing of L-Carnitine through characteristic functional groups, while XRD revealed a highly crystalline inverse spinel structure of Fe₃O₄. SEM and TEM images demonstrated uniform spherical particles featuring a Fe₃O₄ enclosed within a distinct L-carnitine layer. TGA indicated thermal stability and infrered the presence of organic content, supporting effective surface modification. VSM analysis confirmed super paramagnetism with decreased magnetic saturation due to the LC coating. The prepared nano-composite was examined for anti-bacterial activity, and the LC@Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite showed strong antibacterial activity against both positive and negative bacterial strains. Cytotoxicity assays on MDA-MB-231 cells confirmed excellent anti-cancer properties.