Protein-passivated Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles: low toxicity and rapid heating for thermal therapy

J Mater Chem. 2008;18(11):1204-1208. doi: 10.1039/b718745a.

Abstract

Thermotherapy is a promising technique for the minimally invasive elimination of solid tumors. Here we report the fabrication of protein-coated iron oxide NPs (12 nm core) for use as thermal therapeutic agents. These albumin-passivated NPs are stable under physiological conditions, with rapid heating and cell killing capacity upon alternating magnetic field (AMF) exposure. The mode of action is specific: no measurable cytotoxicity was observed for the particle without AMF or for AMF exposure without the particle.