ABSTRACT
If present in sufficient number, superparamagnetic (SPM) nanoparticles interact via dipole – dipole coupling to produce a dipolar field and subsequently a permanent dipole moment. As a result, the assembly exhibits hysteresis on the application of an oscillating magnetic field yielding heat dissipation. When directed on a site of malignancy, these tiny heat generating machines hold the potential to destroy cells or introduce a modest rise in temperature to increase the efficacy of chemotherapy. This phenomenon is referred to as hyperthermia (MH) in the medical literature. Recently, there have been proposals to monitor hyperthermia using imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This combined modality has immense utility in remedial procedures for cancer, but observations related to decreased heat dissipation have cast doubt on its applicability in a clinical laboratory. Through a first principle analysis, we provide practical procedures for tailored heat dissipation in the above procedures by an easy manipulation of laboratory parameters. Their usage has been largely empirical to date. Our calculations provide a firm grounding to these ad hoc methodologies.
