RGD-Functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles for magnetic hyperthermia.

To improve the selectivity of magnetic nanoparticles for tumor treatment by hyperthermia, Fe3O4 nanoparticles have been functionalized with a peptide of the type arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) following a "click" chemistry approach. The RGD peptide was linked onto the previously coated nanoparticles in order to target αvβ3 integrin receptors over-expressed in angiogenic cancer cells. Different coatings have been analyzed to enhance the biocompatibility of magnetic nanoparticles. Monodispersed and homogeneous magnetite nanoparticles have been synthesized by the seed growth method and have been characterized using X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and magnetic measurements. The magnetic hyperthermia efficiency of the nanoparticles has also been investigated and cytotoxicity assays have been perfomed for functionalized nanoparticles.