In vitro bonelike apatite formation on magnetite nanoparticles after a calcium silicate treatment: Preparation, characterization and hemolysis studies

Bioactive magnetite nanoparticles were prepared successfully by coating magnetite nanoparticles with CaSiO3 followed by their immersion in simulated body fluid. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles (5–10 nm) were synthesized by a co-precipitation technique. In order to prepare core–shell nanocomposites, the nanoparticles were soaked for 1 h in a calcium silicate solution that had been aged for 24 h before using it. The samples were dried in air and then immersed in SBF at 37 °C for 1, 3 and 7 days. The analyses of the samples after the biomimetic process revealed the formation of a bonelike apatite layer on all the samples tested and not a significant change was observed on their original magnetic behavior. Hemolysis test, evaluated as release of hemoglobin, revealed that all the samples showed no hemolytic effects up to 3 mg/ml, indicating no damage of the red blood cell membranes. These bioactive, hemocompatible and superparamagnetic particles may be potential materials for bone cancer treatment by hyperthermia.