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Multifunctional Magneto-Plasmonic Fe3O4/Au Nanocomposites: Approaching Magnetophoretically-Enhanced Photothermal
Iuliia Mukha1, Oksana Chepurna2, Nadiia Vityuk1
1Chuiko Institute of Surface Chemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 03164 Kyiv, Ukraine.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 30, 2021
Summary
Magneto-plasmonic nanocomposites (MPNC) show enhanced near-infrared absorption and photothermal effects when aggregated by a magnetic field. This controlled thermal effect can destroy cancer cells, offering promise for targeted photothermal therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Magneto-plasmonic nanocomposites combine iron oxide and gold nanoparticles for enhanced therapeutic properties.
- Targeted drug delivery and therapy are key applications for these advanced nanomaterials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize Fe3O4/Au magneto-plasmonic nanocomposites (MPNC).
- To investigate the magnetic field-induced aggregation and its effect on near-infrared (NIR) absorption and photothermal (PT) efficacy.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of MPNC in vitro using cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of Fe3O4/Au MPNC using tryptophan via chemical and photochemical reduction.
- Induction of nanoparticle aggregation using a magnetic field (MF).
- Assessment of NIR absorption changes and PT effect under 808 nm laser irradiation.
- In vitro evaluation using HeLa cancer cells, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and observation of cell membrane damage.
Main Results:
- Magnetic field (MF) induced reversible aggregation of MPNC.
- Aggregation led to increased absorption in the NIR spectral region.
- Enhanced photothermal (PT) effect observed under NIR laser irradiation.
- MF-treated cancer cells exposed to laser irradiation showed microbubble formation, cell membrane damage, and destruction.
Conclusions:
- Synthesized Fe3O4/Au MPNC exhibit MF-induced aggregation and enhanced NIR absorption.
- This allows for magnetophoretic control and localized enhancement of NIR light-induced thermal effects.
- The MPNC demonstrate significant promise for applications in targeted photothermal therapy.
