Thermal response of superparamagnetic particles suspended in liquid and solid media

The purpose of this study was to explore the properties of coated superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SPNs) specifically for their use in thermal-responsive drug delivery systems. Coated, magnetite SPNs were prepared and dispersed in cyclohexane or cetyl alcohol, a solid lipid at the physiological temperatures of 37 degrees C. The induced temperature change as a function of SPN concentration and external magnetic field and frequency was consistent with theoretical predictions. SPNs dispersed in a solid lipid matrix underwent heating and the associated melting occurred at a temperature suitable for a thermal-responsive drug delivery system. (c) 2008 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.