Magnetic and hydrogel composite materials for hyperthermia applications

Micron-sized magnetic particles (Fe3O4) were dispersed in a polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel to study their potential for hyperthermia applications. Heating characteristics of this ferrogel in an alternating magnetic field (375 kHz) were investigated. The results indicate that the amount of heat generated depends on the Fe3O4 content and magnetic field amplitude. A stable maximum temperature ranging from 43 to 47degreesC was successfully achieved within 5-6 min. The maximum temperature was a function of Fe3O4 concentration. A specific absorption rate of up to 8.7 W/g Fe3O4 was achieved; this value was found to depend on the magnetic field strength. Hysteresis loss is the main contribution to the heating effect experienced by the sample. (C) 2004 Kluwer Academic Publishers.