Examination of zinc ferrites vs. iron oxides as contrast agents for microwave systems

Iron oxide nanoparticles are biocompatible nanopar-ticles (NPs) that have the potential to increase the dielectric contrast of targeted tissues, hence assist in microwave imaging as a contrast agent. This study investigates the physico-chemical stability and dielectric properties of iron oxide NPs. Synthesized zinc ferrites were characterised in addition to three commercial iron oxide suspensions. Zinc ferrites were synthesised using a thermal decomposition method and functionalised with a maleated polymer. The nanoparticle's characteristics were analysed for size and metal composition. Zinc ferrites showed higher dielectric contrast compared with the commercial iron oxides.