Burn-Safe Biodegradable Magnetocaloric Composites for Temperature-Controlled Biomedical Applications
P. Uliss (TU Delft - Electronic Components, Technology and Materials)
H. Gai (TU Delft - RST/Fundamental Aspects of Materials and Energy)
F. Kahler (TU Delft - Electronic Components, Technology and Materials)
E. Aprea (TU Delft - Electronic Components, Technology and Materials)
Q. Jia (TU Delft - BT/Biocatalysis)
Vasiliki Gkouzioti (Leiden University Medical Center)
Jean Philippe Frimat (Leiden University Medical Center)
E.H. Brück (TU Delft - RST/Fundamental Aspects of Materials and Energy)
C.M. Boutry (TU Delft - Electronic Components, Technology and Materials)
More Info
expand_more
Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.
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.
help_outline