Ferrite particles coated with biocompatible phases can be used for hyperthermia treatment of cancer. We have synthesized substituted calcium hexaferrite, which is not stable on its own but is stabilized with small substitution of La. Hexaferrite of chemical composition (CaO)_0.75(La₂O₃)_0.20(Fe₂O₃)₆ was prepared using citrate gel method. Hydroxyapatite was prepared by precipitating it from aqueous solution of Ca(NO₃)₂ and (NH₄)2HPO₄ maintaining pH above 11. Four different methods were used for coating of hydroxyapatite on ferrite particles. SEM with EDX and X-ray diffraction analysis shows clear evidence of coating of hydroxy-apatite on ferrite particles. These coated ferrite particles exhibited coercive field up to 2 kOe, which could be made useful for hysteresis heating in hyperthermia. Studies by culturing BHK-21 cells and WBC over the samples show evidence of biocompatibility. SEM micrographs and cell counts give clear indication of cell growth on the surface of the sample. Finally coated ferrite particle was implanted in Kasaulli mouse to test its biocompatibility. The magnetic properties and biocompatibility studies show that these hydroxyapatite coated ferrites could be useful for hyperthermia.

The assembly of superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles on submicroscopic SiO₂ spheres have been prepared by an in situ reaction using different molar ratios of Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ (50–200%). It has been observed that morphology of the assembly and properties of these hybrid materials composed of SiO₂ as core and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles as shell depend on the molar ratio of Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺.

A host–guest material such as layered double hydroxide (LDH) has generated immense interest in current research due to its technological importance, whereby its dimension significantly affect its mechanical and other physical properties. The purpose of this study was to prepare Mg/Al-LDHs by systematically varying the molar concentration of cations, aging time and pH. The prepared LDHs were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis and transmission electron microscopy to confirm their formation and morphology. We qualitatively observed a new growth route for LDH system which is dissimilar to the existing growth mechanism. The rate of growth is shown to be slower than the well known Ostwald ripening process. This unusual behaviour is due to the formation of effective passivation layer by Na⁺ ions around the generated LDHs nuclei. This suggested growth mechanism will be helpful in further controlling the particle size of other LDH, which may be useful for various future applications.