Fabrication of new magnetite-graphene nanocomposite and comparison of its laser-hyperthermia properties with conventionally prepared magnetite-graphene hybrid

A single step supercritical method was introduced for synthesis of "magnetite - reduced graphene oxide (M-rGO)" composite in supercritical methanol. Modified surface, smaller size, lesser cytotoxicity, and homogenous dispersion of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles on the graphene surface were advantages of this new M-rGO composite in comparison to the materials synthesized by conventional wet chemical method (M-GO). Nanocomposites were injected in tissue equivalent phantoms of agarose gel in 10mg/g dosage, and were irradiated by a 1600mW laser beam at wavelength of 800-810nm. The M-rGO and M-GO were found to be the most and the least efficient samples for increasing the temperature of the phantom. As for mathematical analysis of the heating process, a heat transfer model was developed and solved by the COMSOL Multiphysics software. Results showed an appreciable agreement with the experiments and revealed enhancement in thermal conductivity and light absorption coefficient of tissue by injecting of M-rGO sample. Our findings showed that M-rGO is a promising material for laser hyperthermia, which can deposit adequate heat dose with desirable effect in the tumorous cells in a short period.