Surface-structure-dependent magnetic hyperthermia performance of small Fe nanoparticles

Magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT) has received extensive attention due to its advantages, such as high efficiency, noninvasiveness, and no penetration limit. However, the poor performance of small-sized MHT agents limits the MHT treatment efficacy. In this study, the effects of surface properties on the magnetic hyperthermia performance of small-sized Fe nanoparticles (NPs) were explored. The oxidation time of the oxide layer and surface charges that arise due to surface modification are two important parameters of the surface properties of small Fe NPs. The oxidation time greatly affects the magnetism and magnetic hyperthermia properties of the Fe NPs, whereas surface modification only slightly reduces both properties. Overall, this study details a new strategy for developing small-sized magnetic hyperthermia agents that exhibit excellent performance.