Heating ability and hemolysis test of magnetite nanoparticles obtained by a simple co-precipitation method

The present paper reports the heating ability and hemolysis test of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) for biomedical applications, obtained by a novel and easy co-precipitation method, in which it is not necessary the use of controlled atmospheres and high stirring rates. Different molar proportions of FeCl2:FeCl3 (2:1 and 3:2 respectively) were used and the obtained MNPs were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry and transmission electron microscopy. The heating ability was evaluated under a magnetic field using a solid state induction heating equipment at two different frequencies (362 and 200 kHz). Additionally, a hemolysis test was performed according to the ASTM method. The obtained ferrites showed a particle size in the range of 8–12 nm and superparamagnetic behavior. The MNPs increased the temperature up to 43.1 °C in 5 min under a low magnetic field and showed non hemolytic effect up to 3 mg/ml. The MNPs obtained are highly potential materials for hyperthermia cancer treatment.