Biocompatible Fe-Si Nanoparticles with Adjustable Self-Regulation of Temperature for Medical Applications

Because of the noninvasive, locally selective potential of thermal energy, considerable effort has been focused on the use of an external, alternating magnetic field for conversion of magnetic work to heat with iron oxide nanoparticles. However, proper regulation of thermal energy remains a challenge because of the lack of feedback from the local temperature change to the external power supply. Here, we show development of smart magnetic nanoparticles composed of Fe and Si with intrinsically tunable heat generation capability. They were engineered to possess an adjustable magnetic transition temperature through tuning the exchange between Fe atoms by incorporation of silicon atoms. They show relatively high magnetic moment. Moreover, their biocompatibility was established in several cell lines. The nanoparticles were also combined with a thermosensitive polymer, which had the capability to release of molecules with a magnetic stimulus, thereby providing a platform for locally controlled, drug release.