Core–shell La 1− x Sr x MnO 3 nanoparticles as colloidal mediators for magnetic fluid hyperthermia

Abstract

Core–shell nanoparticles consisting of La 0.75 Sr 0.25 MnO 3 cores covered by silica were synthesized by a procedure consisting of several steps, including the sol–gel method in the presence of citric acid and ethylene glycol, thermal and mechanical treatment, encapsulation employing tetraethoxysilane and final separation by centrifugation in order to get the required size fraction. Morphological studies revealed well-separated particles that form a stable water suspension. Magnetic studies include magnetization measurements and investigation of the ferromagnetic–superparamagnetic–paramagnetic transition. Magnetic heating experiments in ‘calorimetric mode’ were used to determine the heating efficiency of the particles in water suspension and further employed for biological studies of extracellular and intracellular effects analysed by tests of viability.