Study of heating curves generated by magnetite nanoparticles aiming application in magnetic hyperthermia

Malignant tumors occur by uncontrolled multiplication of the body's cells. Currently, a promising technique, called magnetic hyperthermia, has been intensively researched. The technique makes it possible to interrupt the growth of tumor cells by the localized application of heat from the magnetization/demagnetization of magnetic nanoparticles (the Joule effect). The amount of heat generated depends on the magnetic material and the characteristics of the external magnetic field. In this work, magnetite Fe3O4 particles (core–shell layer type) were synthesized by the wet coprecipitation method and coated with a polymer blend of polyethylene glycol and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PEG/PVP). The nanoparticles were subjected to a magnetic field of intensity equal to 12 kA m−1 and frequency 202 kHz. Under these conditions, specific absorption rate (SAR) values between 15–48 W g−1 were obtained. The heating curves obtained were adjusted with a proposed mathematical model. The adjustments were satisfactory and showed a good correlation coefficient (at an averaged level of 0.99). In addition, hysteresis curves and FTIR spectra were obtained.