Characterization of magnetic hyperthermia in magnetic nanoparticles

Abstract

Certain magnetic nanoparticles are able to generate heat through magnetic moment reversal processes under the action of an adequate alternating magnetic field. This ability, together with biocompatibility and nanosize of the particles, makes them promising materials for biomedical applications. Among the potential applications is magnetic hyperthermia, an oncological therapy expected to battle malignant tumors with minimal side effects by using localized heating. The success of the therapy requires, among others, accurate quantification of the released heat leading to the prediction of the temperature increase in and around the treatment area. This chapter is devoted to the recent advances in the determination of this heating ability.