Magnetically Induced Hyperthermia

Student: Erin Pritchard
Department: Physics
Advisor: Sri Sridhar

Abstract

Hyperthermia is a process by which iron oxide nanoparticles are used to increase the temperature of a region when exposed to a magnetic field. As the concentration of the particles increases, the heat tends to increase as well. Depending on the temperature threshold of the specific region, the heat generated from a certain number of magnetic particles can potentially eliminate the region of interest.

Nanoparticles may also be added for use in liposomes. Liposomes are often used in various ways for drug delivery. The lipid bilayer can fuse with other bilayers, such as a cell membrane, thus delivering the liposome contents. Liposomes that contain low (or high) pH can be constructed such that dissolved aqueous drugs will be charged in solution. As the pH naturally neutralizes within the liposome the drug will also be neutralized, allowing it to freely pass through a membrane. These liposomes work to deliver drug by diffusion rather than by direct cell fusion.

Liposomes tend to break down at a specific temperature. By adding nanoparticles to the core of the liposome, it is possible that hyperthermia can be induced to break the liposome down faster. This would allow for a controlled release of the drug found in the core. Research can be done to find out at what temperature the liposome would break down based on the size and amount of iron nanoparticles placed in the core.