X-ray/gamma radiation attenuation and cytotoxic properties of Gadolinium doped Maghemite nanoparticles

Abstract

In the present work, Gadolinium doped (1–6 mol%) Maghemite nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized via solution combustion method using Sapodilla fruit extract as a reducing agent followed by calcination at 500 °C and characterized with different techniques. The Bragg reflections consists of (hkl) planes corresponding to γ-Fe2O3 (Maghemite). Addition to this, few planes corresponding to α-Fe2O3 and Gd2O3 were also observed. The estimated crystallite size and direct energy band gap was found to decrease with increase in Gd3+ concentration. Cytotoxic properties were examined on cervical cancer cell lines HeLa cells as the Gadolinium dopant concentration increases, cell death decreases, eventually toxicity is going to reduced. Because of the non-toxicity, these NPs might be used as a drug carrier and also in the biochemical modification process called PEGylation. Theoretically, X-ray/Gamma ray attenuation parameter such as mass attenuation coefficient is studied in detail which is an essential parameter in radiation dosimetry. Gamma attenuation ion properties are increased by increase in the dopant concentration of Gadolinium. Compared to other concentrations, Gadolinium at 6 mol% shows maximum cytotoxic and mass attenuation coefficient. Thus, the present synthesized material might finds an application in biomedical field as well as in radiation dosimetry.