Facile synthesis of superparamagnetic Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles at therapeutic temperature range for magnetic hyperthermia therapy

Superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles have been synthesized using simple and ecofriendly hydrothermal method at supercritical conditions of ethanol. The morphology and crystal structure reveal cubic-like shape with an average size of 63 ± 30 nm and formation of FCC Fe3O4 phase structure. The magnetic properties exhibit superparamagnetic-like behavior at room temperature with saturation magnetization (Ms) of 108 emu/g and coercivity (HC) close to 0 Oe. The temperature dependence on magnetization measurements has confirmed the superparamagnetic behavior with blocking temperature TB of 320 K at the therapeutic temperature range of hyperthermia therapy at 42–47 °C. Feasibility for magnetic hyperthermia has been tested under applied AC magnetic field and frequency ranges from 100 to 500 Oe and 147 to 304 kHz, respectively. The findings confirm that Fe3O4 nanoparticles are feasible for magnetic hyperthermia treatment of cancer.