The project’ influence on progress in this area. The main aim is to synthesize magnetic nanoparticles having high specific absorption rates (SAR) and provide the needed surface functionalization, which can be effectively used to measure the thermal effects along with varying the magnetic field strength and frequency. Using solid-phase pyrolysis of metalorganic precursors, we propose to synthesis carbon encapsulated nanoparticles of iron, magnetite and their nanoalloys with different concentration of compounds. Synthesis of iron and iron oxide nanoparticle in iron-phthalocyanine matrix is also proposed. Advantages of these methods are simplicity, high efficiency and purity of the obtained product, environmental safety of the process. Carbon coated Ni-Cu nanoalloys with T_C = 42-44 ^o C will be synthesized and tested as a material for self-regulating magnetic hyperthermia. Recently, the nanostructured La_1-xAg_xMnO₃ has attracted great attention for magnetic hyperthermia applications. The recently obtained nanomaterial with very specific properties is also proposed as a basis for magnetic hyperthermia with precisely regulated and controlled T_c (in a wide temperature range. Comparison of toxicity of Ni-Cu and La_1-xAg_xMnO_3, as well as decrease of producing time, increasing the yield of synthesis and accuracy of reproducibility of materials with given parameters will be also important for the progress in this area of research. As is known, doping of ferrites with manganese increases the magnetic features which can also be significant target for research. The microwave enhanced synthesis will be also applied for producing iron, magnetite and their nano-alloys with different concentration, and carbon coated Ni-Cu nanoalloys. At the same time, the optimal methods of synthesis of La_1-xAg_xMnO₃ will be identified and applied. All materials will be studied and compared and conclusion on the advantages (or disadvantages) of applied methods will be made. Preliminary testing of developed materials on mice will provide the required data for determining and comparison of therapeutic efficiency and toxicity of developed materials.

The participants’ expertise. All experimental works will be carried out by highly qualified specialists, having more than 30-year experience in materials science, physics and chemistry of micro- and nano-dispersive media, high-power microwave systems, spectroscopy, microscopy, materials science, application of hi-tech equipment for synthesis and investigation of nanocomposites. The microwave enhanced processes will be studied using appropriate advanced and specially designed microwave resonators and reactors. Preliminary (entry-level) testing of developed materials on mice will be carried out by highly qualified and experienced researchers working in the appropriate fields of medicine, toxicology and physiology. All main participants of the project have long-term experience in the field of synthesis and complex structural and magnetic investigations of magnetic nanoparticles and nanoalloys in different biocompatible organic matrix. Competence and qualification of the key participants in the specified areas are confirmed by the list of references given in the detailed project information.

Expected results and their application. It is expected to prepare novel magnetic materials in different biocompatible organic matrix for magnetic hyperthermia treatment of cancer cells.