Recent advances in understanding magnetic nanoparticles in ac magnetic fields and optimal design for targeted hyperthermia

摘要

Targeted hyperthermia treatment using magnetic nanoparticles is a promising cancer therapy that enables selective heating of hidden microcancer tissues. In this review, I outline the present status of chemical synthesis of such magnetic nanoparticles. Then, the latest progress in understanding their heat dissipation mechanisms under large magnetic fields is overviewed. This review covers the recently predicted novel phenomena: magnetic hysteresis loops of superparamagnetic states and steady orientations of easy axes at the directions parallel, perpendicular, or oblique to the AC magnetic field. Finally, this review ends with future prospects from the viewpoint of optimal design for efficacy with a low side-effect profile.