Synthesis, characterization and hemolysis studies of Zn^sub (1-x)^Ca^sub x^Fe^sub 2^O^sub 4^ ferrites synthesized by sol-gel for hyperthermia treatment applications

The synthesis of Zn(1-x)CaxFe2O4 nanoparticles, x=0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0, was performed by sol-gel method followed by a heat treatment at 400 °C for 30 min. These ferrites showed nanometric sizes and nearly superparamagnetic behavior. The Zn0.50Ca0.50Fe2O4 and CaFe2O4 ferrites presented a size within the range of 12-14 nm and appropriate heating ability for hyperthermia applications. Hemolysis testing demonstrated that Zn0.50Ca0.50Fe2O4 ferrite was not cytotoxic when using 10 mg of ferrite/mL of solution. According to the results obtained, Zn0.50Ca0.50Fe2O4 is a potential material for cancer treatment by magnetic hyperthermia therapy.