Influence of X-ray Irradiation on the Magnetic and Structural Properties of Gadolinium Silicide Nanoparticles for Self-Regulating Hyperthermia

TL;DR

This study investigates how high-dose X-ray irradiation affects the magnetic and structural properties of gadolinium silicide nanoparticles, finding that their magnetocaloric and hyperthermia functionalities remain stable despite localized lattice distortions.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the stability of Gd5Si4 nanoparticles under high-dose X-ray exposure, supporting their use in radiotherapy and hyperthermia applications.

Findings

Structural and compositional stability confirmed after irradiation

Localized lattice distortions observed via TEM

Magnetocaloric properties and SLP unaffected

Abstract

Magnetic hyperthermia treatment (MHT) utilizes heat generated from magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) under an alternating magnetic field (AMF) for therapeutic applications. Gadolinium silicide (Gd5Si4) has emerged as a promising MHT candidate due to its self-regulating heating properties and potential biocompatibility. However, the impact of high-dose X-ray irradiation on its magnetic behavior remains uncertain. This study examines Gd5Si4 nanoparticles exposed to 36 and 72 kGy X-ray irradiation at a high-dose rate (120 Gy/min). While X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy confirm no structural or compositional changes, transmission electron microscopy reveals localized lattice distortions, along with observable changes in magnetic properties, as evidenced in magnetization vs. temperature and hysteresis measurements. Despite this, magnetocaloric properties and specific loss power (SLP) remain unaffected. Our findings confirm the stability of Gd5Si4 under high-dose X-ray irradiation, supporting its potential for radiotherapy (RT) and magnetocaloric cooling in deep-space applications.