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Magnetic polymer nanocomposites are inherently multifunctional and harbor assorted physiochemical actions for applications thereof as novel drug nanocarriers. Herein, Fe 3 O 4 -nanoparticles were supported on rice straw cellulose for 5-fluorouracil carrier abbreviated as MC/5-FU for potential colorectal cancer treatments. Several analyses indicated the multifunctional properties of MC/5-FU bionanocomposites. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy study demonstrated that Fe 3 O 4 nanofillers covered the cellulose matrix. The drug release from MC/5-FU was evaluated under various pH and temperature conditions, showing the maximum release at pH 7.4 and 44.2 °C. In in vitro anticancer assay, MC/5-FU exhibited enhanced selectivity and anticancer actions against 2D monolayer and 3D tumour spheroid models colorectal cancer cells. The anticancer effects of MC/5-FU with magnetic targeting and heat induction were also examined. This easily synthesized MC/5-FU indicated the potential in application as a low-cost drug formulation for colorectal cancer treatments. • Preparation of 5-fluorouracil loaded magnetic cellulose (MC/5-FU) as a low-cost and multifunctional bionanocomposites. • The release of drug from MC/5-FU increased with increase of pH and the temperature induction. • MC/5-FU improved the selectivity and anticancer activities towards 3D tumour spheroid models colorectal cancer cells. • MC/5-FU indicated negligible toxicity to the red blood cells in hemolysis assay. • The effect of magnetic targeting and heat induction on the killing of the colorectal tumour spheroid was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]