Correlation between effects of the particle size and magnetic field strength on the magnetic hyperthermia efficiency of dextran-coated magnetite nanoparticles

A precise control of the particle size of dextran-coated magnetite nanoparticles (Dex-M NPs) was successfully performed by combination of co-precipitation and hydrothermal synthesis methods. The Dex-M NPs, in the size range 3.1–18.9 nm, were used to fabricate biocompatible magnetic fluids for application in magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT). The effects of the carrier fluid viscosity, particle size, and applied magnetic field strength (Happl) on the specific loss power (SLP) of the Dex-M NPs were investigated at a fixed magnetic field frequency (f). The experimental results show that SLP of the larger Dex-M NPs significantly decreases for a highly viscous carrier fluid. Moreover, regardless of the carrier fluid viscosity, the particle size strongly affects the heating efficiency of the Dex-M NPs. SLP ranges from zero for the smallest Dex-M NPs (with particle size d = 3.1 nm) to 55.21 W/g for the largest ones (d = 18.9 nm) at Happl = 28 kA/m and f = 120 kHz. The most important finding in our research is that, at a fixed frequency, the optimal size of the Dex-M NPs (the size that maximizes SLP) shows a rising trend by enhancing Happl. In fact, the highest values of SLP at Happl = 11 kA/m, 13 − 17.5 kA/m, and 19 − 28 kA/m are obtained for the Dex-M NPs with d = 11.5 nm, 15 nm, and 18.9 nm, respectively. The shift of optimal size to the higher values by increasing Happl could shed light on the correlated effects of the particle size and Happl on the heating efficiency of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and pave a new way toward the better tuning of them for an effective and biologically safe treatment. [Display omitted] •Dex-M NPs with size range 3.1 to 18.9 nm were synthesized.•Effects of the particle size, fluid viscosity and Happl on SLP were investigated.•The optimal size for maximizing SLP shows a rising trend by enhancing Happl.•This result opens a new avenue for understanding correlated effects of the particle size and Happl on SLP.