Combining mesoporous silica–magnetite and thermally-sensitive polymers for applications in hyperthermia

In this work, the synthesis strategy of a multifunctional system of [SBA-16/P( N -iPAAm)/Fe 3 O 4 ] hybrids of interest for magneto-hyperthermia was explored. Magnetite nanoparticles coated by mesoporous silica were prepared by an alternative chemical route using neutral surfactant and without the application of any functionalization method. Monomer adsorption followed by in situ polymerization initiated by a radical was used to incorporate the hydrogel into the pore channels of the silica nanocomposite. Structural and magnetic characterization of the obtained materials was carried out by using thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, N 2 adsorption desorption isotherms, 57 Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry and transmission electron microscopy. Measurements of alternating current magnetic-field-induced heating behaviour under different applied magnetic fields showed that the [SBA-16/P( N -iPAAm)/Fe 3 O 4 ] hybrid here synthesized is suitable as a hyperthermia agent for biological applications.