Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
The structural and quasi-static magnetic behaviors and the temperature rises of three Dextran-coated maghemite nanoparticles subjected to alternating magnetic field (AMF) were investigated for potential use in magnetic hyperthermia treatments. In order to elucidate the effect of the hydrodynamic particle size on the specific absorption rate, the temperature rises for various hydrodynamic particle sizes were investigated in AMFs of various strengths and frequencies. Structural characterization was performed using a TEM and a SEM as well as by dynamic light scattering, and the quasi-static magnetic hysteresis loops were measured using a VSM. The heating behavior is discussed in relation to the magnetic behavior and particle size. While it was found that the heating mechanism for the ferromagnetic particles was mainly magnetic hysteresis losses, Brownian relaxation losses also contributed to the heating.