Title : Erbium-modified magnetite nanoparticles: A promising candidate for magnetic hyperthermia in cancer therapy
Abstract:
Erbium substituted magnetite nanoparticles were synthesized using a modified co-precipitation method and analysed for their structural, magnetic and biocompatibility properties to evaluate their potential for magnetic hyperthermia applications. X-ray diffraction confirmed a cubic spinel structure with lattice distortions increasing with erbium concentration, indicating its incorporation into the crystal lattice. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis showed uniform erbium distribution, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy identified Er–O bond formations. Magnetic measurements using a vibrating sample magnetometer demonstrated that substitution levels of 6 to 9% of Er which enhanced saturation magnetization and also improving heating efficiency under an alternating magnetic field. Hyperthermia experiments showed that nanoparticles within this concentration range generated maximum heat, maintaining the therapeutic temperature range of 42-45°C, which is essential for effective cancer treatment. Higher erbium concentrations (>12%) led to a reduction in magnetic properties due to excessive structural distortions, lowering heating efficiency. Toxicological studies using zebrafish embryos indicated that lower erbium concentrations maintained biocompatibility, while levels above 9% induced cytotoxic effects, highlighting biocompatibility limitations at higher concentration levels. The correlation between magnetic properties, thermal performance and biocompatibility establishes that nanoparticles with 6-9% erbium concentration achieve an optimal balance for hyperthermia applications. These findings provide essential insights into the influence of rare-earth substitution on Fe?O? nanoparticles, expanding their potential for biomedical research. Further advancements in synthesis optimization, surface functionalization and in vivo imaging will enhance their clinical applicability in cancer treatment.
Keywords: Erbium substituted magnetite, Magnetic hyperthermia, Fe?O? nanoparticles, Saturation magnetization, Biocompatibility, Structural characterization, Cancer therapy, Rare-earth element substitution.
