Numerical simulation of magnetic nanoparticle-based drug delivery in presence of atherosclerotic plaques and under the effects of magnetic field

Abstract

The effect of stenosis on magnetonanoparticles (MNPs) distribution within the lumen is presented in pulsatile blood flow in the presence of a non-uniform magnetic field. The effects of the size of MNPs, the stenosis severity, and the number of stenosis on drug distribution are examined. MNPs are injected upstream of plaques and tumor site for 3 seconds. The results show that the stenosis near the magnetic field causes MNPs to be trapped proximal to the plaque, resulting in reducing the available drug near the tumorous tissue, and consequently, the reduction in drug absorption. Thus, the presence of plaques should be considered prior to an attempt to deliver a drug into a tissue. With increasing the number of blockages, flow pattern and magnetic forces, both act to weaken the drug delivery. Also, the non-Newtonian behavior of the blood is found that has a major role in decreasing the consequences of stenosis