Evaluation of magnetic and thermal properties of ferrite nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Abstract

Magnetic nanoparticles can potentially be used in drug delivery systems and for hyperthermia therapy. The applicability of Fe3O4, CoFe2O4, MgFe2O4, and NiFe2O4 nanoparticles for the same was studied by evaluating their magnetization, thermal efficiency, and biocompatibility. Fe3O4 and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles exhibited large magnetization. Fe3O4 and NiFe2O4 nanoparticles exhibited large induction heating. MgFe2O4 nanoparticles exhibited low magnetization compared to the other nanoparticles. NiFe2O4 nanoparticles were found to be cytotoxic, whereas the other nanoparticles were not cytotoxic. This study indicates that Fe3O4 nanoparticles could be the most suitable ones for hyperthermia therapy. © 2011 Journal of Magnetics.