Synthesis, characterization, and biocompatibility of pure and doped magnetite nanoparticles for magnetic hyperthermia in cancer treatment

Cancer treatment remains a pressing global challenge, with magnetic hyperthermia emerging as a promising alternative approach. The article explores the potential of pure and doped magnetite nanoparticles for hyperthermia-based cancer treatment, aiming to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. Key findings include the synthesis and characterization of NPs—Fe₃O₄, SnFe₂O₄, and CoFe₂O₄—using co-precipitation methods, with emphasis on their size, morphology, magnetic, structural and thermal properties confirmed through techniques like SEM, EDX, VSM, XRD and TGA. The nanoparticles' hyperthermic effects were assessed through infrared imaging, showing CoFe₂O₄ NPs induced the highest heating efficiency as compared to Fe₃O₄ and SnFe₂O₄ NPs. Importantly, all nanoparticles showed negligible hemolysis at a concentration of 0.2 mg/ml, indicating their compatibility with human blood. This study contributes valuable insights into optimizing MNP-based hyperthermia treatments, aiming for safer and more effective cancer therapies in the future. SnFe₂O₄ NPs haven't been extensively explored in the context of hyperthermia applications, making it a unique contribution to the field. The research employs an innovative and cost-effective method for evaluating the hyperthermic effect of nanoparticles using an infrared camera. This approach overcomes the potential limitations associated with probe-based temperature measurement, offering a more accurate assessment of nanoparticle-induced hyperthermia. The research thoroughly compares its findings with existing literature, highlighting the novelty of the achieved results in terms of maximum hyperthermia with minimal frequency and magnetic field strength without inducing toxicity in human blood.