Microwave-assisted synthesis of magnetic Eu-BDC NanoMOFs: Tuning structural and magnetic properties for theranostic applications

Breast cancer remains a major global health challenge, motivating the development of advanced nanomaterials for biomedical applications. This study aims to develop a magnetic nanocomposite based on a Eu-BDC nano metal–organic framework (nanoMOF) incorporating magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for potential theranostic applications in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The Eu-based nanoMOF was synthesized via microwave-assisted coprecipitation using europium chloride hexahydrate and 2-aminoterephthalic acid, while magnetic nanoparticles were prepared by chemical coprecipitation of Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ ions in alkaline medium. The resulting materials were characterized by UV–Vis absorption, emission, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy to assess their optical properties, ligand coordination, crystalline structure, and morphology. The magnetic nanocomposite is currently under development and shows promising potential as a multifunctional platform for diagnostic imaging and magnetic hyperthermia in breast cancer theranostics.