Surface functionalized LSMO nanoparticles with improved colloidal stability for hyperthermia applications

LSMO (La0.7Sr0.3MnO3) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) coated with double layer oleic acid (OA) surfactant are prepared to make a water based magnetic nanofluid for hyperthermia application. Various experimental techniques are used for bilayer coating analysis. The effect of the bilayer coating on magnetic properties is studied by superconducting quantum interface device (SQUID). Colloidal behaviour of coated MNPs in aqueous medium is studied by the zeta potential and dynamic light scattering. The effects of pH and ionic strength on the colloidal stability of the MNPs are studied in detail. For the bilayer-coated LSMO MNPs aggregation is not observed even in high ionic strength and at physiological pH (7.4). For making the nanofluid of the bilayer-coated MNPs the colloidal stability is studied in physiological media like phosphate buffer solution. Under induction heating experiment, hyperthermia temperature (42-43 °C) could be achieved by the bilayer-coated sample at a magnetic field of 168-335 Oe and frequency of 267 kHz. The bilayer OA coating can hinder the agglomeration of MNPs significantly and produce stable suspension with improved hyperthermia properties. The bilayer OA coating also improves the specific absorption rate (SAR) of LSMO MNPs from 25 to 40 W g−1.