Thermosensitive Ni-based magnetic particles for self-controlled hyperthermia applications

A number of ferromagnetic alloys in the bulk-form “thermoseeds” have been investigated for localized self-controlled hyperthermia treatment of cancer by substituting V, Mo, Cu, and Ga for Ni. The samples were prepared by arc-melting technique and annealed at 1223 K (950 °C) for 12 h in sealed quartz tubes. The structural, magnetic, and magnetocaloric properties of the samples were studied, using room temperature X-ray diffraction and a Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) magnetometer. The magnetocaloric parameters (magnetic entropy changes, refrigeration capacity (RC), and hysteretic effects) have been calculated. It has been shown that recrystallization, i.e., annealing time and temperature, is crucial for controlling the heating characteristics of the seeds. A linear decrease in Curie temperature (TC) from 380 K (107 °C) to 200 K (−73 °C) was observed with increasing substitution of Ni by V, Mo, Cu, and Ga, while the magnetization value remained nearly constant for all substitutions. The optimal composition of these Ni-based alloys has been determined in order to allow self-controlling hyperthermia, implying a Curie temperature near the therapeutic level, 315-318 K (41-45 °C). The results showed that an extraordinary self-regulating heating effect has been achieved in Ni-based magnetic materials, which may create new vistas for hyperthermia cancer treatment.