Abstract
Localized magnetic hyperthermia using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) under the application of small magnetic fields is a promising tool for treating small or deep-seated tumors. For this method to be applicable, the amount of MNPs used should be minimized. Hence, it is essential to enhance the power dissipation or heating efficiency of MNPs. Several factors influence the heating efficiency of MNPs, such as the amplitude and frequency of the applied magnetic field and the structural and magnetic properties of MNPs. We discuss some of the physics principles for effective heating of MNPs focusing on the role of surface anisotropy, interface exchange anisotropy and dipolar interactions. Basic magnetic properties of MNPs such as their superparamagnetic behavior, are briefly reviewed. The influence of temperature on anisotropy and magnetization of MNPs is discussed. Recent development in self-regulated hyperthermia is briefly discussed. Some physical and practical limitations of using MNPs in magnetic hyperthermia are also briefly discussed.
Highlights
There are several excellent reviews on the physics of heating efficiency using magnetic nanoparticles in magnetic hyperthermia [7,8,9]. In this short review we focus on the physical and magnetic properties of MNPs that are related to heating efficiency in magnetic hyperthermia
We have shown that surface anisotropy and core-shell interface anisotropy have a noticeable impact on the relaxation time and could be tuned to enhance the heating efficiency of
The role of dipolar interactions was emphasized as an important factor in heating efficiency where the concentration of MNPs was found to suppress the relaxation time
Summary
Magnetic hyperthermia is the field of treating cancer by supplying heat to tumor cells using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and an alternating magnetic field. Magnetic hyperthermia using MNPs is a multidiscipline research field which requires the involvement of physics, chemistry, material science and medical science. This technique, which started in 1957 [1], where maghemite nanoparticles (γ-Fe2O3) were used, is based on the observation that tumor cells can be destroyed by heating the cells for a duration of time to temperature between 43 and 46 °C while healthy cells are less affected [2,3]. Several factors influence the heating efficiency, such as the amplitude and frequency of the external alternating magnetic field, magnetic anisotropy, magnetization, particle-particle interactions, as well as the size and size distribution of the MNPs. There are several excellent reviews that discuss magnetic hyperthermia using MNPs [4,5,6]. We only discuss selective recent reports that display interesting results that could influence magnetic properties for magnetic hyperthermia
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