Sol-gel synthesis of mixed ferrites for biomedical applications

The effect of mixed ferrites nature and that of several coatings on the magnetic properties and thus, on the heating ability of nanoparticles, was studied. The Mg0.4Ca0.6Fe2O4 and Mn0.5Ga0.5Fe2O4 ferrites, synthesized by sol-gel method, followed by heat treatment, were coated with oleic acid + Pluronic® F-127, carboxymethyl-dextran sodium or polyvinylpyrrolidone. An average particle size of 12 and 15 nm was obtained for the Mg-Ca and Mn-Ga ferrites, respectively. Samples, before and after coating, revealed a heating capacity over 42°C and a superparamagnetic behaviour. The compounds accomplished the requirements of heating ability and specific absorption rate for magnetic hyperthermia treatment. The Mn0.5Ga0.5Fe2O4 system was more efficient than the Mg0.4Ca0.6Fe2O4 system. Copyright © 2018 VBRI Press.