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Abstract
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Magnetite nanoparticles were synthesized via the co-precipitation method under a nitrogen atmosphere across various alkaline conditions (pH 9.7–10.5) and subsequently functionalized with iodixanol, an iodinated contrast agent, to confer dual-modal functionality for magnetic hyperthermia and X-ray computed tomography (CT). The phase purity and size distribution of the resulting nanoparticles were examined by XRD and FESEM, respectively. Based on FESEM analysis, the coated particles exhibited a quasi-spherical morphology with sizes ranging from 53 to 107 nm, wherein increasing alkalinity reduced particles size and agglomeration. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of Fe–O stretching vibrations, indicating the formation of magnetite nanoparticles, as well as characteristic absorption bands of iodixanol, suggesting successful surface coating of the nanoparticles. More exposure of the surface of magnetite particles to the iodixanol coating could result in a more intense signal in the Fe–O and O–H bands. Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM) analysis determined the magnetic characteristics of the samples, revealing a maximum saturation magnetization of 58.8 emu/g after coating. The hyperthermia assessment revealed a rise in temperature, with the maximum increase reaching 33 ◦C and a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 45.60 W/g, corresponding to the sample synthesized at a pH of 9.7. CT imaging of diverse coated specimens yielded contrast enhancement, facilitating high-resolution data acquisition for quantitative analysis of concentration-dependent attenuation profiles. Iodixanol-functionalized nanoparticles demonstrated enhanced CT visibility, so surface modification elevated mean X-ray attenuation up to 471 HU at 110 kVp, achieving clinically diagnostic contrast levels. The results confirm the successful synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles coated with iodixanol, demonstrating their potential for dual therapeutic (hyperthermia) and diagnostic (CT scan) applications. An exponential model aligned with fundamental attenuation physics was proposed to simulate CT number versus nanoparticle concentrations. In vitro biocompatibility assessments confirmed that the coated nanoparticles possess low cytotoxicity, meeting key prerequisites for biomedical use.
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