Speaker
Description
Over the past decade, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been extensively investigated for their potential application in magnetic particle hyperthermia, a promising strategy in cancer treatment due to its targeted and localized effects [1]. This approach utilizes MNPs as agents that facilitate the conversion of electromagnetic energy from an alternating magnetic field into heat. The effectiveness of this technique depends on the selection of suitable magnetic nanoparticles, which must meet specific criteria related to biocompatibility, cytotoxicity, morphology, and magnetic properties. Additionally, several key parameters influence the heating efficiency of MNPs in an AC magnetic field, including saturation magnetization, anisotropy constant, coercivity, and magnetic moment magnitude.
Magnetic CoFe$_2$O$_4$ nanoparticles, synthesized via thermal decomposition, were prepared in three distinct morphological forms: spherical and cubic particles of approximately $10$ nm in size, as well as star-shaped nanoparticles with an average size of $16$ nm. These highly crystalline nanostructures were investigated to assess their structural, magnetic, and magneto-thermal properties. X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of the cobalt ferrite spinel structure, while transmission electron microscopy verified shape variations induced by synthesis conditions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis provided insights into the elemental composition, particularly the Co:Fe atomic ratio within the spinel lattice. A detailed analysis of the magnetic properties was performed using SQUID magnetometry through measurements of magnetization curves $M(H)$ and temperature-dependent $M(T)$ curves in the ZFC/FC regime. This investigation revealed high values of magnetic anisotropy and coercivity in both cubic and star-shaped nanoparticles, which are critical for efficient heating in magnetic particle hyperthermia. Additionally, the influence of nanoparticle shape on these key magnetic parameters was studied, as variations in morphology can significantly impact their magnetothermal performance.
Acknowledgements
Funded by the EU NextGenerationEU through the Recovery and Resilience Plan for Slovakia under the project No. 09I03-03-V04-00177 and supported by the Slovak Research Agency under the contracts: APVV-20-0512 and VEGA1/047/25.
References
[1] X. Liu et al., “Comprehensive understanding of magnetic hyperthermia for improving antitumor therapeutic efficacy,” Theranostics, vol. 10, no. 8. Ivyspring International Publisher, pp. 3793–3815, 2020. https://doi.org/10.7150/thno.40805
