This work investigates a magnetocaloric (Mn,Fe)2(P,Si) compound tailored for precise, self-regulating heating in biomedical use. With a Curie temperature tuned at 43 °C, it enables therapeutic activation without overheating. Encapsulation in a composite ensures controlled temperature rise under an alternating magnetic field (AMF), with high biocompatibility and stability, hinting at a new frontier in safe, localized thermal medical treatments.
Abstract
Magnetothermal stimulation is key in biomedical applications like tumor ablation, drug delivery, and regenerative therapies. A common method involves injecting magnetic particles that heat under an alternating magnetic field (AMF). However, uncontrolled heating can damage healthy tissues. Maintaining temperatures below 45 °C is critical. Using materials with a Curie temperature (Tc
) near this limit offers a self-regulating solution, as magnetization—and thus heating—drops sharply at Tc
. This study explores Mn0.65Fe1.30P0.65Si0.37 (MCM), a magnetocaloric material composed of non-toxic elements and featuring a tunable Tc
. It is engineered to exhibit a Tc
of 43 °C, close to the safe physiological threshold. MCM particles are encapsulated in a wax matrix to form a composite that responds to AMF exposure. Heat generated by MCM particles triggers the wax phase transition, while the obtained Tc
enables the composite to achieve self-limiting thermal regulation under magnetic field exposure. Biocompatibility tests using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) show over 90% cell viability in direct and indirect contact. Stability tests in phosphate buffers at 37 °C confirm controlled degradation over 28 days. These results demonstrate that MCM is a promising, burn-free magnetic material for safe, localized heating, supporting its use in self-regulating, temperature-responsive biomedical systems.
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