Superparamagnetic CoFe_2O_4@Au with High Specific Absorption Rate and Intrinsic Loss Power for Magnetic Fluid Hyperthermia Applications

CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) and surface modified with gold (Au) have been synthesized by a thermal decomposition method. The obtained NPs and formation of CoFe₂O₄@Au core-shell (CS) were confirmed by characterizing their structural and optical properties using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) patterns, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, UV-Visible and photoluminescence studies. Morphological and compositional studies were carried out using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, while the magnetic properties were determined using alternating gradient magnetometer and Mossbauer to define the magneto-structural effects of shell formation on the core NPs. Induction heating properties of CoFe₂O₄ and CoFe₂O₄@Au CS magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been investigated and correlated with magneto-structural properties. Specific absorption rate and intrinsic loss power were calculated for these MNPs within the human tolerable range of frequency and amplitude, suggesting their potential in magnetic fluid hyperthermia therapy for possible cancer treatment.