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This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the structures and properties of zinc sulfide (ZnS) and dysprosium-doped ZnS nanoparticles (NPs) and exploring their potential as versatile agents in cancer treatment. X-ray diffraction reveals that both types of NPs have a hexagonal crystal structure, with dysprosium-doped ZnS having a crystallite size of 14.21 nm. Energy-dispersive x-ray and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analyses confirm the presence of key elements, including the doped dysprosium, and spectroscopic analyses show polymer coating on the NPs. The dysprosium-doped ZnS NPs exhibit significant magnetism, promising for magnetic resonance imaging applications. Notably, these NPs demonstrate significant drug encapsulation efficiency and controlled, pH-responsive drug release patterns, enabling them as drug carriers. In cytotoxicity assays on breast cancer cell lines, the 5-fluorouracil-loaded NPs exhibit enhanced cytotoxicity and induce apoptosis. These multifunctional NPs are suitable both as imaging agents and for utilization as drug carriers in cancer treatment. In this study, we report the development of a new kind of poly(β-cyclodextrin)-coated dysprosium-doped ZnS nanocarriers with integrated drug delivery, photothermal conversion capability and magnetic resonance imaging function in one system. The doping of Dy leads to better magnetism and NIR absorption property. In addition, long-term pH responsive drug release is achieved.
Govindaraj Sri Varalakshmi, Nikhil Mathew, Varnitha Manikantan, Sudhaker Raboni Grace, Ujma Ashapak Tamboli, Aleyamma Alexander, Bose Allben Akash, Israel V. M. V. Enoch (2026) Zinc Sulfide Nanoparticles Surface Modified With Poly-Cyclodextrin: Structure, Characteristics, and Cytotoxicity. Chemistry Select 11, e01337. https://doi.org/10.1002/slct.202501337