Synthesis, Colloidal Stability, and Magnetic Properties of Nanoparticles for Magnetic Fluid Hyperthermia

In vitro and in vivo experiments in which cells are in contact with magnetic nanoparticles and subjected to high frequency oscillating magnetic fields have shown that the particles may induce cell death. Owing to the biocompatibility of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, these observations have garnered considerable interest for the treatment of cancer, in which the nanoparticles could be directly injected into a tumor or functionalized to selectively target cancer cells. The subsequent application of an oscillating magnetic field would result in destruction of the cancer, without many of the deleterious side effects common to radio- and chemotherapy. These observations have been termed Magnetic Fluid Hyperthermia (MFH). This talk will discuss criteria for designing nanoparticles for use in cancer treatment, the mechanisms and limitations of magnetic fluid hyperthermia, research on development and characterization of magnetic nanoparticles coated with biocompatible and thermoresponsive polymers, and biological assays being used to quantify the efficacy of the treatment and determine the mechanisms through which cell death occurs.