Magnetic nanoparticle estimation and manipulation

(oncology::diagnostics/therapy)

The aim is to provide quantitative non-invasive imaging of magnetic nanoparticles and magnetically labeled cells as a generic technology to improve diagnostic and therapeutical approaches employing magnetic nanoparticles. The clinical applications include magnetic stem cell labeling, magnetic drug targeting, magnetic gene transfection, magnetic hyperthermia and tumor diagnosis. Today, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used to qualitatively monitor nanoparticle distributions. However, a quantitative imaging method is missing. Numerous clinical applications employing magnetic nanoparticles will profit from these new quantitative imaging methods due to improved diagnosis and enhanced therapy design and control. Quantitative time-resolved bio-distribution profiles of magnetic nanoparticles throughout the body will further increase suitability, patient safety and efficacy of the new therapies. Research is concentrated on developing a quantitative methodology based on magnetorelaxometry [6] and on the development of other methodologies.  It is necessary to deal with the ill-posedness of the inverse problem and to develop methodologies with feedback control for the activation and the manipulation of magnetic nanoparticles. 

Top row: Actual MNP concentration. Bottom row, from left to right: Reconstruction using homogeneous field excitation, sequential homogeneous activation, and sequential inhomogeneous activation.

[6] G. Crevecoeur, D. Baumgarten, U. Steinhoff, J. Haueisen, L. Trahmz, L. Dupré, "Advancements in magnetic nanoparticle reconstruction using sequential activation of excitation coil arrays using magnetorelaxometry," Soft Magnetic Materials conference proceedings, 2011.