Computational Study Regarding Co_xFe_3−xO₄ Ferrite Nanoparticles with Tunable Magnetic Properties in Superparamagnetic Hyperthermia for Effective Alternative Cancer Therapy

Abstract

The efficacy in superparamagnetic hyperthermia (SPMHT) and its effectiveness in destroying tumors without affecting healthy tissues depend very much on the nanoparticles used. Considering the results previously obtained in SPMHT using magnetite and cobalt ferrite nanoparticles, in this paper we extend our study on CoxFe3−xO4 nanoparticles for x = 0–1 in order to be used in SPMHT due to the multiple benefits in alternative cancer therapy. Due to the possibility of tuning the basic observables/parameters in SPMHT in a wide range of values by changing the concentration of Co2+ ions in the range 0–1, the issue explored by us is a very good strategy for increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of magnetic hyperthermia of tumors and reducing the toxicity levels. In this paper we studied by computational simulation the influence of Co2+ ion concentration in a very wide range of values (x = 0–1) on the specific loss power (Ps) in SPMHT and the nanoparticle diameter (DM) which leads to the maximum specific loss power (PsM). We also determined the maximum specific loss power for the allowable biological limit (PsM)l which doesn’t affect healthy tissues, and how it influences the change in the concentration of Co2+ ions. Based on the results obtained, we established the values for concentrations (x), nanoparticle diameter (DM), amplitude (H) and frequency (f) of the magnetic field for which SPMHT with CoxFe3−xO4 nanoparticles can be applied under optimal conditions within the allowable biological range. The obtained results allow the obtaining a maximum efficacy in alternative and non-invasive tumor therapy for the practical implementation of SPMHT with CoxFe3−xO4 nanoparticles.

Keywords

• Co-Fe ferrite nanoparticles
• magnetic hyperthermia
• specific loss power
• optimization
• alternative therapy
• cancer