Investigation of the Application of Reduced Graphene Oxide-SPION Quantum Dots for Magnetic Hyperthermia

Integrating hyperthermia with conventional cancer therapies shows promise in improving treatment efficacy while mitigating their side effects. Nanotechnology-based hyperthermia, particularly using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), offers a simplified solution for cancer treatment. In this study, we developed composites of SPION quantum dots (Fe₃O₄) with reduced graphene oxide (Fe₃O₄/RGO) using the coprecipitation method and investigated their potential application in magnetic hyperthermia. The size of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles was controlled within the quantum dot range (≤10 nm) by varying the synthesis parameters, including reaction time as well as the concentration of ammonia and graphene oxide, where their biocompatibility was further improved with the inclusion of polyethylene glycol (PEG). These nanocomposites exhibited low cytotoxic effects on healthy cells (CHO-K1) over an incubation period of 24 h, though the inclusion of PEG enhanced their biocompatibility for longer incubation periods over 48 h. The Fe₃O₄/RGO composites dispersed in acidic pH buffer (pH 4.66) exhibited considerable heating effects, with the solution temperature increasing by ~10 °C within 5 min of exposure to pulsed magnetic fields, as compared to their dispersions in phosphate buffer and aqueous dimethylsulfoxide solutions. These results demonstrated the feasibility of using quantum dot Fe₃O₄/RGO composites for magnetic hyperthermia-based therapy to treat cancer, with further studies required to systematically optimize their magnetic properties and evaluate their efficacy for in vitro and in vivo applications.