Synthesis and characterization of magnetite coated by maltodextrin for application in magnetic hyperthermia

Abstract

This study aimed to synthesize magnetite nanoparticles proposing a new core with maltodextrin using the coprecipitation method in an alkaline medium, with the potential application in magnetic hyperthermia for cancer treatment. The syntheses followed a 3² factorial design for optimization, investigating the impact of two parameters: concentrations of Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ (0.02, 0.06, and 0.1 mol L⁻¹) and maltodextrin mass (0.5, 1.5, and 2.5 g). Characterization methods reveal that the synthesized nanoparticles have the magnetite phase (Fe₃O₄) with an average crystallite size ranging from 6.3 to 12.5 nm, within the expected size range. The nanoparticles show superparamagnetic properties. Despite maltodextrin being present on the nanoparticle surfaces, it was observed to be ineffective in mitigating the aggregation and agglomeration phenomenon. In magnetic hyperthermia tests, the majority of samples reached and surpassed 43 °C during the analyses, corresponding to the therapeutic temperature. Furthermore, the ILP values ranged from 0.02 to 0.16 nH m² kg⁻¹. Statistical evaluation concluded that optimal synthesis parameters involve a higher concentration of iron precursors and lower amounts of maltodextrin. The M-53 cells exposed to two distinct concentrations of nanoparticles exhibited non-cytotoxicity but displayed limited cellular internalization into the cells. These properties render them a promising material for magnetic hyperthermia in oncological treatment. Further studies are necessary to determine the viability of the new coating route with maltodextrin.