Magneto-thermal response of Fe3O4@CTAB nanoparticles for cancer hyperthermia applications

Ferrite nanoparticles as excellent heat mediators offer potential advances in magnetic particle hyperthermia mediated cancer treatment. In this direction, we have synthesized cetyltrimethylammonium bromide functionalized iron oxide (Fe3O4@CTAB) nanoparticles using ferric oxyhydroxide precursor via a facile reduction process to attain improved magneto-thermal efficacy. The nanoparticles are highly crystalline, colloidally stable, hydrophilic and associated with saturation magnetization of similar to 71 emu/g. Nanoparticles have exhibited a cuboidal shaped morphology with an average edge length of similar to 80 nm. Hyperthermia tests have revealed an increased specific loss power with an increase in concentration of nanoparticles and applied magnetic field strengths. Highest specific loss power of similar to 1036 W/g has been obtained for 5 mg/mL of nanoparticles under an alternating applied magnetic field strength of 800 Oe and frequency 315 kHz. Hyperthermia studies conducted in physiological medium have evidenced an improved heating efficiency compared to water. Concentration dependent effects of Fe3O4@CTAB nanoparticles have been evidenced with anticancer activity towards cancer cells and biocompatibility towards normal fibroblast cells. Moreover, the nanoparticles induce minimal damage to erythrocyte membrane resulting in reduced hemolysis. In summary, the reported nanoparticles can be explored for magnetic particle hyperthermia for cancer treatment.