Abstract

Hyperthermia treatment of different cancers based on magnetic nanoparticles has gained significant attention in recent years. In this work, biocompatible maghemite (gamma-Fe2O3) nanorods were synthesized by dehydroxylation of lepidocrocite (gamma-FeOOH) nanorods, using hydrolysis of ferrous salts in the presence of urea followed by calcination at 300 degrees C for 3 h. Maghemite nanospheres were also synthesized by oxidation of co-precipitated magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles, followed by heat treatment at 250 degrees C for 3 h. The samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry, and field emission scanning electron microscopy techniques. Cell viability of nanorods and nanospheres before and after applying a magnetic field was studied by MTT assay on G292 cell lines as a candidate of osteosarcoma 2D-cultured model. The heating capacity of the rod-like and spherical magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) was evaluated under a magnetic field using a solid state induction heating equipment. Moreover, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) antibacterial activity of magnetic nanorods and nanospheres was investigated. The results showed that cell proliferation gradually increased in the presence of both maghemite nanorods and nanospheres compared to the control sample. However, cell viability decreased after applying hyperthermia treatment as indicative of cell apoptosis. Quantification of antibacterial properties also showed the MIC behavior of both nanoparticles at a concentration of 0.078 mg/ml.