Magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) cancer treatment involves applying an alternating magnetic field to magnetic nanoparticles implanted in diseased tissue. In the presence of the magnetic field, the particles generate heat and destroy the tissue. The magnetic properties of iron-platinum (FePt) nanoparticles make them excellent candidates for MFH. In the current project, we seek to enhance MFH cancer treatments by attaching cancer-targeting agents to iron-platinum nanoparticles. Such an advance will localize heating effects in cancerous tissues and therefore improve the effectiveness of MFH and reduce treatment side effects.

Covering iron-platinum nanoparticles with a layer of iron oxide can facilitate the chemistry required to link iron platinum to cancer-targeting agents. We compare two different procedures for coating iron-platinum nanoparticles with iron oxide. We also evaluate the impact of synthesis temperatures and reagent ratios on shell thickness.