In-situ formation of CoFe2O4 within electrospun PVDF scaffolds to achieve a high β content and high magnetic hyperthermia ability

Abstract

This study aimed to enhance the piezoelectric and ferromagnetic properties of electrospun poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) scaffold by in-situ formation of CoFe2O4 (CFO) within the fibers. To evaluate the effects of CFO on the microstructures and properties of the scaffolds, varying amounts of CFO were utilized (x = 0 to 10 wt %). The results demonstrated the successful formation of CFO at the fiber junctions (x < 2), while the agglomerates were formed within the large fibers (2 < x < 10). The in-situ formation of CFO was confirmed by the energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. The highest fraction of β phase was achieved at 0.735 and 0.960 for the PVDF-CFO scaffold (x = 1) based on the XRD and Fourier-transform infrared technique (FTIR) results. The dielectric constant, magnetic properties, and piezoelectric sensitivity of the PVDF scaffold were enhanced with the in-situ formation of CFO. The highest coercivity and piezoelectric sensitivity were observed at x = 1. In-vitro analysis of the scaffolds revealed that the highest blood compatibility and antioxidant activity could be achieved through the in-situ formation of 1 wt % of CFO. Eventually, the magnetic hyperthermia ability of scaffolds was evaluated, and the PVDF-CFO scaffolds were recognized as the high potential materials for the hyperthermia treatment according to the specific absorption rate (SAR) of 25–44 W g−1 and intrinsic loss power (ILP) factor of 5–9 nH m2·kg−1. Our findings suggest that by controlling the in-situ formation of CFO within the PVDF electrospun scaffold, the cancer cell eradication process can be performed with a minimum dosage of the ferroelectric-ferromagnetic magnetic composite.