Magnetic nanoparticle clusters for photothermal therapy with near-infrared irradiation

In this study, the photothermal effect of magnetic nanoparticle clusters was firstly reported for the photothermal ablation of tumors both in vitro in cellular systems but also in vivo study. Compared with individual magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs), clustered Fe3O4 NPs can result in a significant increase in the near-infrared (NIR) absorption. Upon NIR irradiation at 808 nm, clustered Fe3O4 NPs inducing higher temperature were more cytotoxic against A549 cells than individual Fe3O4 NPs. We then performed in vivo photothermal therapy (PTT) studies and observed a promising tumor treatment. Compared with PBS and individual magnetic Fe3O4 NPs by NIR irradiation, the clustered Fe3O4 NPs treatment showed a higher therapeutic efficacy. The treatment effects of clustered Fe3O4 NPs with different time of NIR illumination were also evaluated. The result indicated that a sustained high temperature generated by NIR laser with long irradiation time was more effective in killing tumor cells. Furthermore, histological analysis of H&E staining and TUNEL immunohistological assay were further employed for antitumor efficacy assessment of PTT against A549 tumors.