Improved stability and hyperthermia efficiency of PEG-coated magnetite nanoparticles

Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated magnetite nanoparticles are highly valued in research for their exceptional surface properties and high colloidal stability, which are crucial for applications like magnetic resonance imaging, hyperthermia, and targeted drug delivery. Among these, magnetic hyperthermia using magnetite nanoparticles has become a focal point of research due to its non-invasive therapeutic strategy. However, the fabrication of size-controlled, surface-functionalised magnetite nanoparticles with better magnetic properties and suitable high specific absorption rates(SAR) within the therapeutic limit remains a challenge. To address this, we investigated the impact of PEG coating (0-14 wt%) on the structural, surface, magnetic, and thermal properties of magnetite nanoparticles for potential use in magnetic hyperthermia applications prepared via the co-precipitation route. Results indicate that PEG coating can enhance colloidal stability and induction heating performance of magnetite nanoparticles. We synthesised polyethylene glycol-coated Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles and characterised their physical and magnetic properties using X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy, and Vibrating Sample Magnetometry. Our results on zeta potential show that a polymer coating on Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles improves the stability. The 14 wt% PEG coated magnetite exemplified a better induction heating with a SAR of 21.59 W/g with particle size 12 nm and zeta potential of -19.10 mV. These findings portray the PEG-coated magnetite nanoparticles can be used as a potential candidate for magnetic hyperthermia therapy. • Synthesised stable PEG-coated magnetite nanoparticles via co-precipitation. • PEG coating improved colloidal stability and magnetic heating performance. • Achieved SAR of 21.59 W/g within 60 s for 14 wt% PEG-coated magnetite. • Heating efficiency improved due to better dispersion and stability on PEG-coating.