Metallic Iron Nanoparticles for MRI Contrast Enhancement and Local Hyperthermia

Abstract

New metallic magnetic nanoparticles with greater magnetic properties than current iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) of comparable size (10 nm) are described. The multifunctional iron-based NPs coated with biocompatible carboxyl-terminated polyethylene glycol (see image) generate more effective local hyperthermia when subjected to an oscillating magnetic field and have a stronger MRI T2 shortening effect than IONPs.