Synthesis of MnFe2O4 Nanoparticles and Subsequent Prussian Blue Functionalization for a Novel Composite Photothermal Material

MnFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles have shown broad application prospects in the field of tumor diagnosis and treatment; however, precise particle size regulation within the 100-200 nm range, as well as the synergistic integration of physical and medical functionalities, remains challenging. As a commonly used method for synthesizing MnFe2O4 nanoparticles, the solvothermal method has been proven to enable the regulation of the particle size of products, particularly its ability to utilize the viscosity of solvents as a method for particle size regulation. Therefore, this work investigates the influence of the diethylene glycol (DEG) to ethylene glycol (EG) ratio on particle size regulation in solvothermal synthesis of MnFe2O4 nanoparticles, and constructs MnFe2O4@PB nanocomposite materials. The results demonstrate that with the DEG ratio increasing from 0 to 80% in a DEG:EG mixed solvent system, the average particle size of MnFe2O4 nanoparticles can be reduced from 266 nm to 105 nm. The MPB4.5 sample (MnFe2O4:PB molar ratio = 5:4.5 in the MnFe2O4@PB nanostructure) exhibits an optimal photothermal heating effect and good photothermal stability, demonstrating potential as a photothermal therapeutic agent. The resultant MnFe2O4@PB system provides a strategy for precise particle size regulation and functional integration for photothermal therapy of tumors with magnetic targeting potential.