Synthesis and characterization of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles stabilized by polyvinylpyrrolidone / polyethylene glycol with variable mass ratios

Magnetic nanoparticles are devices able to optimize cancer treatments. In particular, magnetite nanoparticles are very effective in producing heat to cause lysis of tumor cells. However, in order that nanoparticles are internalized without causing damage to body they must be coated by biocompatible material. In this work, Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were coated by a polymer blend: polyethylene glycol / polyvinylpyrrolidone. Some variations in mass ratio of polymer mixture were made. The effect of varying mass ratio in polymers was investigated. Samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction and Rietveld analysis. Moreover, hysteresis curves were analyzed. The results indicate good agreement between mass proportions used and physical and magnetic properties of nanocomposite. (author)