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José Mariano

Magnetic properties and hyperthermia effect in magnetic nanoparticles

The goal of this STSM was to deepen the knowledge on the techniques used for the synthesis and characterisation of magnetic nanoparticles, the determination of their magnetic properties and their characterisation from the hyperthermia effect perspective trough the determination of the Specific Absorption Ratio (SAR). For this purpose, the first couple of days were dedicated to becoming familiar with the constructions details and operation of a locally built apparatus dedicated to the determination of SAR of liquid samples. The rest of the time was dedicated to the characterisation of locally produced poly-L-lysine (PLL) functionalized magnetic nanoparticles that are used as carriers of specific antibodies to detect and/or target cancer cells. Magnetic nanoparticles with the optimal PLL content were conjugated with antibody specific for the cancer biomarker carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX). CA IX is localised on the cell surface with the antibody-binding epitope facing the extracellular space and is therefore suitable for antibody-based targeting of tumour cells. The purpose of the essays was to determine if the SAR of the particles was affected by the antibody conjugation. For this purpose, a series of trials were conducted, where the time evolution of the sample temperature was measured for different values of AC magnetic field intensities and different frequencies. From this, the SAR dependence with H was calculated.

Using the opportunity provided by this STSM, we also measured ZFC-FC and magnetization curves of Co doped TiO₂ nanoparticles synthesized at the University of the Algarve, using a recently installed 18T cryomagnet equipped with a VSM head. This was a very satisfying experience, since it was the first time I had a hands-on contact with such a technique. This allow me to get a better understanding of the strengths and weakness of VSM when applied to MNP characterisation.