Multifunctional SiO₂/C/Fe₃O₄ Composite Particles with Photoacoustic and Magnetocaloric Properties

Abstract

Photoacoustic imaging is a new noninvasive imaging technology that combines the advantages of optical imaging and ultrasound imaging. Using materials with good photoacoustic effects can improve imaging contrast and resolution. With the development of photoacoustic imaging in the field of medical treatment, research pertaining to photoacoustic functional materials is progressing continuously. In this study, we effectively synthesize a multifunctional photoacoustic and magnetocaloric nanomaterial, i.e., SiO2/C/Fe3O4 via a one-step synthesis method. For theoretical analysis, the finite elemental analysis method is used to simulate the photoacoustic and magnetocaloric signals of the material. To obtain the experimental results, the SiO2/C/Fe3O4 suspension is excited by a 532 nm nanosecond pulsed laser irradiation to obtain the photoacoustic signal of the material. The temperature increase of the material is measured under a 365 kHz alternating magnetic field. The results show that SiO2/C/Fe3O4 exhibits good photoacoustic and magnetocaloric effects, rendering it feasible as a contrast agent for photoacoustic imaging and magnetocaloric therapy.