# Synthesis of Poly(N-vinylcaprolactam)-Grafted Magnetite Nanocomposites for Magnetic Hyperthermia

Authors: A. Morfin-Gutiérrez; H. Iván Meléndez-Ortiz; B. A. Puente-Urbina; L. A. García-Cerda
Journal: Journal of Nanomaterials
 (2018)

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## Abstract

In this study, the synthesis, characterization, and application of poly(N-vinylcaprolactam)-grafted magnetite nanocomposites for magnetic hyperthermia are reported. Superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles (MagNPs) with sizes in the range of 10–16 nm were synthesized by the coprecipitation method and then functionalized with vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS). MagNPs-VTMS coated with poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL) were prepared by free radical polymerization. The obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibration sample magnetometry (VSM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The heating ability was evaluated under a magnetic field using a solid state induction heating equipment at 10.2 kA/m and 362 kHz. The MagNPs-PNVCL nanocomposites showed a behavior close to superparamagnetic materials, which is appropriated for magnetic hyperthermia treatment; in concentrations of 8 mg/mL, they were able to heat up, increasing the temperature up to 42°C in a period of time lower than 10 minutes.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Currently, magnetic nanoparticles coated with smart polymers have been attracting great attention due to their diverse applications in different fields, such as biotechnology and medicine. Magnetic particles are used by their capacity for dissociating in iron and elemental oxygen, which are subsequently consumed by the metabolic system [1]. In particular, bare magnetic particles have been used in magnetic resonance images and magnetic hyperthermia for cancer treatment, while hybrid systems (magnetic particles-smart polymer) have been mainly used as drug delivery systems [2]. The smart polymers have the ability to modify their physical properties in response to external stimuli, such as pH, temperature, and ionic strength. Poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL) is a temperature-responsive polymer which exhibits changes in its properties at temperatures closed to the human body [3]. Magnetic particles-smart polymer nanocomposites offer the advantage not only to respond to an external magnetic field which is used to guide nanocomposites to a specific site but also to environmental external stimuli such as temperature and pH for inducing a controlled drug delivery.In this research, a nanocomposite based on magnetite nanoparticles (MagNPs) and PNVCL was synthesized by free radical polymerization for its use in magnetic hyperthermia [4]. First, MagNPs were synthesized by a coprecipitation method and then covalently modified using a silane coupling agent (vinyltrimethoxysilane, VTMS), which contains a vinyl group, useful for the free radical polymerization of N-vinylcaprolactam. The structure, magnetic properties, and heat generation rate of the obtained materials were investigated.


## 2. Experimental Details

### 2.1. Materials

All reagents were used as received. Ferric chloride (FeCl3·6H2O), ferrous chloride (FeCl2·4H2O), ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), vinyltrimethoxysilane (H2C=CHSi(OCH3)3), N-vinylcaprolactam (C8H13NO), and ammonium persulfate ((NH4)2S2O8) were obtained from Aldrich. Water used in the experiments was deionized and filtered (Milli-Q water system).


### 2.2. Preparation of Magnetite Nanoparticles (MagNPs)

MagNPs were synthesized by a coprecipitation method as follows. A ferric chloride solution was mixed with a ferrous chloride solution in a molar ratio 2 : 1. The solution was stirred at 2000 rpm and heated at 70°C. Then, the stirring rate was increased to 6000 rpm, and an ammonium hydroxide solution (10 vol%) was added. After that, a black precipitate, characteristic of magnetite nanoparticles, was obtained. The precipitate was washed five times with deionized water and separated by using a magnet and then dried at 70°C.


### 2.3. Preparation of MagNPs Functionalized with VTMS (MagNPs-VTMS)

MagNPs were functionalized with VTMS according to the procedure reported by Davaran et al. [5]. First, VTMS (1 mL) was hydrolyzed using acetic acid (pH = 4.5) in the presence of water and ethanol (1 : 100 v/v). Then, MagNPs (75 mg) were added to this solution and dispersed by sonication for 30 minutes. After that, the resulting solution was stirred during 72 h at room temperature. The VTMS-functionalized nanoparticles were collected using a magnet and washed five times with deionized water and then dried at 70°C.


### 2.4. Preparation of MagNPs-PNVCL Nanocomposites

MagNPs-VTMS (150 mg) were added to an aqueous solution containing N-vinylcaprolactam and ammonium persulfate (APS) (10 : 1 weight ratio). The resulting solution was sonicated during 10 minutes and then degassed by bubbling N2 for 20 minutes [6]. The polymerization was carried at 60°C for 24 h; after that, the MagNPs-PNVCL nanocomposite was washed several times with deionized water and collected with a magnet.


### 2.5. Characterization

The XRD patterns were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) using a Rigaku Ultima IV diffractometer with CuKα radiation operated at 35 kV and 25 mA. The XRD patterns were recorded from 10 to 80° (2θ) in 0.02° steps. The morphology and size of the MagNPs were studied by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) using a FEI Titan 80–300 microscope. The magnetic property measurements were carried out at room temperature using a vibrating sample magnetometer (Quantum Design) with a maximum magnetic field of 20 kOe. FTIR spectra were recorded in KBr pellets in a Nicolet Magna-IR Spectrometer model 550. Magnetic hyperthermia heating properties were evaluated using an Ambrell heating station (EasyHeat 0224) at a frequency of 362 kHz and 10.2 kA/m magnetic fields. The tests were performed during 10 minutes; the sample/water concentrations used were 4, 6, 8, and 10 mg/mL.


## 2.1. Materials

All reagents were used as received. Ferric chloride (FeCl3·6H2O), ferrous chloride (FeCl2·4H2O), ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), vinyltrimethoxysilane (H2C=CHSi(OCH3)3), N-vinylcaprolactam (C8H13NO), and ammonium persulfate ((NH4)2S2O8) were obtained from Aldrich. Water used in the experiments was deionized and filtered (Milli-Q water system).


## 2.2. Preparation of Magnetite Nanoparticles (MagNPs)

MagNPs were synthesized by a coprecipitation method as follows. A ferric chloride solution was mixed with a ferrous chloride solution in a molar ratio 2 : 1. The solution was stirred at 2000 rpm and heated at 70°C. Then, the stirring rate was increased to 6000 rpm, and an ammonium hydroxide solution (10 vol%) was added. After that, a black precipitate, characteristic of magnetite nanoparticles, was obtained. The precipitate was washed five times with deionized water and separated by using a magnet and then dried at 70°C.


## 2.3. Preparation of MagNPs Functionalized with VTMS (MagNPs-VTMS)

MagNPs were functionalized with VTMS according to the procedure reported by Davaran et al. [5]. First, VTMS (1 mL) was hydrolyzed using acetic acid (pH = 4.5) in the presence of water and ethanol (1 : 100 v/v). Then, MagNPs (75 mg) were added to this solution and dispersed by sonication for 30 minutes. After that, the resulting solution was stirred during 72 h at room temperature. The VTMS-functionalized nanoparticles were collected using a magnet and washed five times with deionized water and then dried at 70°C.


## 2.4. Preparation of MagNPs-PNVCL Nanocomposites

MagNPs-VTMS (150 mg) were added to an aqueous solution containing N-vinylcaprolactam and ammonium persulfate (APS) (10 : 1 weight ratio). The resulting solution was sonicated during 10 minutes and then degassed by bubbling N2 for 20 minutes [6]. The polymerization was carried at 60°C for 24 h; after that, the MagNPs-PNVCL nanocomposite was washed several times with deionized water and collected with a magnet.


## 2.5. Characterization

The XRD patterns were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) using a Rigaku Ultima IV diffractometer with CuKα radiation operated at 35 kV and 25 mA. The XRD patterns were recorded from 10 to 80° (2θ) in 0.02° steps. The morphology and size of the MagNPs were studied by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) using a FEI Titan 80–300 microscope. The magnetic property measurements were carried out at room temperature using a vibrating sample magnetometer (Quantum Design) with a maximum magnetic field of 20 kOe. FTIR spectra were recorded in KBr pellets in a Nicolet Magna-IR Spectrometer model 550. Magnetic hyperthermia heating properties were evaluated using an Ambrell heating station (EasyHeat 0224) at a frequency of 362 kHz and 10.2 kA/m magnetic fields. The tests were performed during 10 minutes; the sample/water concentrations used were 4, 6, 8, and 10 mg/mL.


## 3. Results and Discussion

### 3.1. XRD Analysis

Figure1 shows the X-ray diffraction patterns for MagNPs, MagNPs-VTMS, and MagNPs-PNVCL nanocomposite. It is noted that all samples present the characteristic diffraction peaks of the magnetite according to the standard pattern (JCPDS card 19-0629). The diffraction peaks of the samples were detected at 30.3, 35.6, 43.04, 53.52, 57.26, 62.7, and 74.34° (2θ), which are assigned to the crystal planes of (200), (311), (400), (422), (511), (440), and (533), respectively. The crystalline size of the MagNPs is 10.3 nm using the (311) peak, estimated using Scherrer equation [7]. The samples did not show additional peaks or phases suggesting that the modified MagNPs did not suffer any structural change [8, 9].Figure 1
X-ray diffraction patterns of MagNPs, MagNPs-VTMS, and MagNPs-PNVCL nanocomposite.


### 3.2. FTIR Analysis

The FT-IR spectra for MagNPs, MagNPs-VTMS, MagNPs-PNVCL, and PNVCL are shown in Figure2. The MagNP spectrum shows two strong absorption bands at 543 cm−1 and 618 cm−1 due to the Fe-O bond and a band around 3300 cm−1 corresponding to the stretching vibration (υ) of O-H bond in the MagNP surface. The MagNPs-VTMS spectrum shows a band at 1017 cm−1 due to the (υ) Si-O bond from VTMS and bands at 1537, 1430, and 1325 cm−1 assigned to the (υ) C=C bond, and both are asymmetrical and symmetrical deformations (δ) of CH3, respectively [10–12]. On the other hand, the MagNPs-PNVCL spectrum shows bands at 2924 and 2854 cm−1 assigned to the asymmetrical and symmetrical stretching (υ) of the CH2 group from PNVCL and a band at 1635 cm−1 due to the (υ) C=O bond from the amide group. Additional bands at 1524, 1453, and 1200 cm−1 assigned to the (υ) C-N, C-C, and C-N bonds from N(CH2)2, respectively [13]. All these bands match with those for the pristine PNVCL confirming the grafting of this polymer onto MagNPs.Figure 2
FT-IR spectra for MagNPs, MagNPs-VTMS, MagNPs-PNVCL, and PNVCL.


### 3.3. TEM Analysis

TEM images of PNVCL, MagNPs, and MagNPs-PNVCL and the particle size distribution for MagNPs are shown in Figure3. The analysis by selected area electron diffraction (SAED) for the image of PNVCL shows an amorphous material (inset in Figure 3(a)) as it was expected while the image for MagNPs reveals crystalline nanoparticles with spherical morphology (Figure 3(b)). On the other hand, Figure 3(c) shows that the MagNPs are embedded into the PNVCL matrix. The particle size for the MagNPs obtained from TEM ranges between 10 and 16 nm (Figure 3(d)). According to previous reports, this particle size not only allows a superparamagnetic behavior and enhanced heating capacity in magnetic induction [14, 15] but also is appropriated for using in drug delivery systems [16].Figure 3
TEM images for PNVCL (a), MagNPs (b), and MagNPs-PNVCL nanocomposite (c) and particle size distribution of MagNPs (d).
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)


### 3.4. VSM Analysis

The magnetic properties for MagNPs, MagNPs-VTMS, and MagNPs-PNVCL were measured at room temperature and their hysteresis loops are shown in Figure4. From this figure, it can be seen that all samples show magnetic behavior close to superparamagnetic materials with low values of coercivity (Hc) and remanence (Mr). Also, it can be seen that the presence of VTMS and PNVCL in the MagNP surface decreases the saturation magnetization values (Ms) causing a diminution of the MagNP magnetic moments [17, 18]. However, these values are in the range used for biomedical applications [19, 20]. The magnetic properties of the obtained materials are shown in Table 1.Figure 4
Hysteresis loops at room temperature for MagNPs, MagNPs-VTMS, and MagNPs-PNVCL nanocomposite.Table 1
Magnetic properties of obtained materials.
Sample
Magnetization (emu/g)
Coercivity (Oe)
Remanence (emu/g)
MagNPs
70.18
15.9
1.7
MagNPs-VTMS
66.75
14.2
1.3
MagNPs-PVCL
41.13
14.1
1.1


### 3.5. Heating Test

The induction heating test was carried out at different concentrations of MagNPs, MagNPs-VTMS, and MagNPs-PVCL (Figure5), which are into the reported used range for biomedical applications [21, 22]. The results show that MagNPs produced higher heating than the others even at low concentration (4 mg/mL). These results were expected because MagNPs are the medium from which the heat is generated, and therefore, at higher concentration of MagNPs, a higher temperature is reached. Also, it can be seen that at concentration of 10 mg/mL and magnetic induction time of 10 minutes, the MagNPs, MagNPs-VTMS, and MagNPs-PNVCL reached temperatures of 58, 56, and 45°C, respectively, suggesting that the modification with VTMS and PNVCL affects the induction heating of MagNPs. However, it is noteworthy that these temperature values are reached quickly and enough high (>42°C) to cause damage or cell death with minimal damage to healthy tissues, as it has been reported previously for hyperthermia treatment [23–25]. The heat generated decreases in MagNPs-PVCL nanocomposites in comparison with MagNPs, it is important to note that the polymer in the nanocomposite provides colloidal stability of the samples and it favors the control of the temperature rise in magnetic hyperthermia. Therefore, it is possible to obtain appropriated heating values using MagNPs-PVCL nanocomposites at low magnetic induction time and low concentration in comparison with previous magnetic materials used for hyperthermia treatment [21, 23].Figure 5
Induction heating tests for MagNPs, MagNPs-VTMS, and MagNPs-PNVCL nanocomposite.


## 3.1. XRD Analysis

Figure1 shows the X-ray diffraction patterns for MagNPs, MagNPs-VTMS, and MagNPs-PNVCL nanocomposite. It is noted that all samples present the characteristic diffraction peaks of the magnetite according to the standard pattern (JCPDS card 19-0629). The diffraction peaks of the samples were detected at 30.3, 35.6, 43.04, 53.52, 57.26, 62.7, and 74.34° (2θ), which are assigned to the crystal planes of (200), (311), (400), (422), (511), (440), and (533), respectively. The crystalline size of the MagNPs is 10.3 nm using the (311) peak, estimated using Scherrer equation [7]. The samples did not show additional peaks or phases suggesting that the modified MagNPs did not suffer any structural change [8, 9].Figure 1
X-ray diffraction patterns of MagNPs, MagNPs-VTMS, and MagNPs-PNVCL nanocomposite.


## 3.2. FTIR Analysis

The FT-IR spectra for MagNPs, MagNPs-VTMS, MagNPs-PNVCL, and PNVCL are shown in Figure2. The MagNP spectrum shows two strong absorption bands at 543 cm−1 and 618 cm−1 due to the Fe-O bond and a band around 3300 cm−1 corresponding to the stretching vibration (υ) of O-H bond in the MagNP surface. The MagNPs-VTMS spectrum shows a band at 1017 cm−1 due to the (υ) Si-O bond from VTMS and bands at 1537, 1430, and 1325 cm−1 assigned to the (υ) C=C bond, and both are asymmetrical and symmetrical deformations (δ) of CH3, respectively [10–12]. On the other hand, the MagNPs-PNVCL spectrum shows bands at 2924 and 2854 cm−1 assigned to the asymmetrical and symmetrical stretching (υ) of the CH2 group from PNVCL and a band at 1635 cm−1 due to the (υ) C=O bond from the amide group. Additional bands at 1524, 1453, and 1200 cm−1 assigned to the (υ) C-N, C-C, and C-N bonds from N(CH2)2, respectively [13]. All these bands match with those for the pristine PNVCL confirming the grafting of this polymer onto MagNPs.Figure 2
FT-IR spectra for MagNPs, MagNPs-VTMS, MagNPs-PNVCL, and PNVCL.


## 3.3. TEM Analysis

TEM images of PNVCL, MagNPs, and MagNPs-PNVCL and the particle size distribution for MagNPs are shown in Figure3. The analysis by selected area electron diffraction (SAED) for the image of PNVCL shows an amorphous material (inset in Figure 3(a)) as it was expected while the image for MagNPs reveals crystalline nanoparticles with spherical morphology (Figure 3(b)). On the other hand, Figure 3(c) shows that the MagNPs are embedded into the PNVCL matrix. The particle size for the MagNPs obtained from TEM ranges between 10 and 16 nm (Figure 3(d)). According to previous reports, this particle size not only allows a superparamagnetic behavior and enhanced heating capacity in magnetic induction [14, 15] but also is appropriated for using in drug delivery systems [16].Figure 3
TEM images for PNVCL (a), MagNPs (b), and MagNPs-PNVCL nanocomposite (c) and particle size distribution of MagNPs (d).
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)


## 3.4. VSM Analysis

The magnetic properties for MagNPs, MagNPs-VTMS, and MagNPs-PNVCL were measured at room temperature and their hysteresis loops are shown in Figure4. From this figure, it can be seen that all samples show magnetic behavior close to superparamagnetic materials with low values of coercivity (Hc) and remanence (Mr). Also, it can be seen that the presence of VTMS and PNVCL in the MagNP surface decreases the saturation magnetization values (Ms) causing a diminution of the MagNP magnetic moments [17, 18]. However, these values are in the range used for biomedical applications [19, 20]. The magnetic properties of the obtained materials are shown in Table 1.Figure 4
Hysteresis loops at room temperature for MagNPs, MagNPs-VTMS, and MagNPs-PNVCL nanocomposite.Table 1
Magnetic properties of obtained materials.
Sample
Magnetization (emu/g)
Coercivity (Oe)
Remanence (emu/g)
MagNPs
70.18
15.9
1.7
MagNPs-VTMS
66.75
14.2
1.3
MagNPs-PVCL
41.13
14.1
1.1


## 3.5. Heating Test

The induction heating test was carried out at different concentrations of MagNPs, MagNPs-VTMS, and MagNPs-PVCL (Figure5), which are into the reported used range for biomedical applications [21, 22]. The results show that MagNPs produced higher heating than the others even at low concentration (4 mg/mL). These results were expected because MagNPs are the medium from which the heat is generated, and therefore, at higher concentration of MagNPs, a higher temperature is reached. Also, it can be seen that at concentration of 10 mg/mL and magnetic induction time of 10 minutes, the MagNPs, MagNPs-VTMS, and MagNPs-PNVCL reached temperatures of 58, 56, and 45°C, respectively, suggesting that the modification with VTMS and PNVCL affects the induction heating of MagNPs. However, it is noteworthy that these temperature values are reached quickly and enough high (>42°C) to cause damage or cell death with minimal damage to healthy tissues, as it has been reported previously for hyperthermia treatment [23–25]. The heat generated decreases in MagNPs-PVCL nanocomposites in comparison with MagNPs, it is important to note that the polymer in the nanocomposite provides colloidal stability of the samples and it favors the control of the temperature rise in magnetic hyperthermia. Therefore, it is possible to obtain appropriated heating values using MagNPs-PVCL nanocomposites at low magnetic induction time and low concentration in comparison with previous magnetic materials used for hyperthermia treatment [21, 23].Figure 5
Induction heating tests for MagNPs, MagNPs-VTMS, and MagNPs-PNVCL nanocomposite.


## 4. Conclusions

MagNPs-PNVCL nanocomposites were successfully prepared by free radical polymerization. The nanocomposites showed magnetic behavior close to superparamagnetic materials and can be successfully heated under a low magnetic field. Induction heating test showed that the synthesized MagNPs-PNVCL nanocomposites can reach appropriated temperatures for hyperthermia treatment in few minutes.



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*Source: 9562020-2018-10-17.xml*