Exothermic effect of dextran-coated Fe3O4 magnetic fluid and its compatibility with blood

The magnetic fluid (MF) for hyperthermia should be superparamagnetic, non-toxic and biocompatible. The compatibility between blood and dextran-stabilized Fe3O4 MF was first investigated; then the influences of the MF concentration and the magnetic field intensity on the heating ability was studied; at last the effects of temperature, shear rate and applied magnetic field on the viscosity of blood and MF/blood mixtures was measured. The results revealed that the viscosity and coagulation time of blood are almost unaffected by small addition of dextran-stabilized Fe3O4 MF, showing good compatibility with blood. The Fe3O4 MF under alternating magnetic field can generate enough energy to heat tumor tissue for hyperthermia therapy.