Magnetically Induced Hyperthermia

Student: Shane Lloyd
Department: Biology
Advisor: Sri Sridhar

Abstract

Hyperthermia is a process by which iron oxide nanoparticles are used to increase the temperature of a region, such as a tumor, when exposed to a magnetic field. Depending on the temperature threshold of the specific region, magnetic particles can potentially eliminate the region of interest.

Iron oxide nanoparticles will be synthesized in the laboratory. After synthesis, the nanoparticles will be labeled with cancer matching antigens. The antigens will ensure that the magnetic nanoparticles are readily identified by the cancers cells and taken in. By inducing hyperthermia in the magnetic nanoparticles, the cancer cells will be destroyed without any damage to the surrounding healthy cells. This is an important consideration in medical treatment because the ultimate goal is to provide the treatment with the least side effects. If proven to work effectively, magnetic nanoparticles will provide an alternative to chemotherapy.